My procedure is a little different, but similar. The results are the same as Watermom's.

The biggest difference is I use a mesh safety cover. This allows the water to breathe so chlorine gas can't build up. It also means I don't need to use air pillows. I have, but last winter it failed and deflated and it made no difference to the mesh safety cover.

Before I start I remove the drop-in steps and the ladder, and clean, dry and store the solar cover.

I, too, balance the water first--like Watermom, I like the pH to be a LITTLE higher to allow for the acidity of rain. Then I add the big dose of Polyquat 60% (usually 1 quart) and wait 48 hours (rather than 24). Polyquat algaecide will cause the FC level to drop, but after 48 hours it's basically done. Then I raise the FC up to shock level and close. I can do this rather than raising FC just to the maintenance level because I have the mesh cover, rather than the closed one.

I lower the water level below that skimmer, the lights, and the returns.

Rather than the Gizmo, I use an AquaDor to cover the skimmer completely, after removing the weir. But the idea is to protect the skimmer from freezing ice cracking it.

I plug all the returns and drains--I have 3 returns, one from the pump, 2 from solar panels, and 3 drains: the skimmer, the low drain, and the overflow drain. I plug them all.

I then disconnect the TigerFlex pipes from the skimmer, the main return, the low drain, the filter, the pump, and the solar panels. I have quick-connects at all points, sometimes as quick-connect ball valves. All the gaskets are coated in teflon grease and each sealed in a zip-lock bag that's marked with its location. The pipes are drained, rolled up and put in the basement.

The pump and filter are disconnected from each other and the pump is drained and put in the basement, too.

I remove the Multi-port valve from my sand filter and drain and clean it--sometimes I dis-assemble it if it's been tight and lube everything with teflon. I lube and seal the valve's big O-ring gasket just like the other gaskets. I drain the filter, leaving the drain open, put the travel/storage retainer in the top in place of the valve, and cover it with a contractor's trash bag. I duct-tape the bag at the neck and bottom to keep it tight without having to get the tape on the filter.

I disconnect the solar panels and drain them, getting out my shop vac to blow them out as best I can. Since my panels are 4'x2' and I have about 30 of them, this year I'm going to remove the ones that have been leaking and see if I can repair them.

The winter cover goes on, the chemicals and tools are stored, the gate is locked and I'm done. I check the water once a month to see if it's clear or too high, and syphon off some if it it is. It's always clear, too.

Like Watermom, I have always opened to clear water, and a lot of dust/dirt/pollen on the bottom.

So the procedure is similar to Watermom's, but a little different to meet my needs, which are a little different than hers.