Most of your questions are answered in threads already in this, the startup and shutdown forum.
There's a safe antifreeze for pools and for the water lines in RVs. Regular antifreeze is a deadly and painful poison.

There is a tool, like a giant buttonhook, for pulling the spring clips over the stationary pegs.
They looked like this:

But there's a newer kind for about $20. Just google or search Amazon for "safety cover installation rod". I haven't tried it but it looks like it will work much better, with more leverage and less elbow grease.