Drain the water below the cover, but not too low.

It’s the most common mistake: either draining all the water (bad — cover can tear or collapse) or leaving it too high (bad — ice can damage cover). The sweet spot is about 12–18 inches below the skimmer, or whatever your cover manufacturer says. Then do the winterizing stuff (blow out lines, add antifreeze, plug skimmers) before you even think about the cover.

The safety cover is strong, but it’s not magic. If you leave water above it, freeze-thaw cycles can pop the cover off its anchors. If you drain too much, the cover can sag under snow and tear. That’s the whole game — keep the water level right, and you’re 90% done.

Oh, and don’t cheap out on the anchors. Use brass or stainless steel. They last. Future you will thank you when you don’t have to dig rusted ones out of the concrete.