does return need plugged?

[rajung]

thanks for the reply, but I am still a little confused and maybe should have explained a little more.
After I drain pool 6 inches below the return,I remove the diverter cover and light, and then disconnect the flex pipe that connects to the back of that, leaving only the short housing that the bulb and wires pass through.
Same as my skimmer.
Disconnect flex tube on the back of that, and then vacuum both lines out that run to the disconnected pump, heater equipment.Then cover pool and remove the rest of of the equipment ,heater, pump etc.
Maybe I am missing something being fairly new to this, or are the plugs for return and covers for the skimmer intended for those that do not disconnect lines directly on those 2 items and leave pipes attached on that end?