I'm in a similar situation. I have a 25K gallon inground pool. Have been paying a pool company to close my pool for the past two years and would like to do it myself this year. I'm pretty sure the pool company has never blown out my lines either or drained below the skimmer. They drain the pump and filter and remove the pressure valve (I assume they drain the chlorinator also). They also put some kind of plastic bottle in the skimmer. Then they just put on the loop lock cover. I live in Northern Alabama and I'd bet the Frost Line is such that underground freezing temperatures aren't an issue. Do you think I'm on the right track?

Thanks.