Winterizing an above-ground pool is mostly about water level and an air pillow.

Yes, you can do it yourself, but you have to get the water level right and use an air pillow.

Lower the water to about 4-6 inches below the skimmer opening. That prevents ice from cracking the skimmer. Add a winter chemical kit—shock, algaecide, and a winter floater—then plug the return lines and skimmer with winterizing plugs. The air pillow goes in the center under the cover to absorb