Ok - I've been reading a lot in this section on closing the pool. I just had mine closed yesterday by pool company and next year want to save the dollars. I have a main drain, 1 skimmer, 2 returns, sand filter, in-line chlorinator, and heat pump. The suction side of the pump goes out to a T with valves from the skimmer and MD. So - from what I read, here are my steps. Would love for comments to see if I am missing anything or if I have some steps in the wrong order.

1) Lower water below the 2 return jets by setting filter to WASTE and using MD.

2) Turn off pump. Set filter to RICIRCULATE. (Is this right?)

3) Attach air compressor to hole inside of pump basket that goes to suction side. Close off SKIMMER valve and turn on MD valve. Turn on air compressor to blow out MD. When MD bubbles, close off MD and immediately turn off air compressor. From what I read, this will create an air lock.

4) Open SKIMMER valve (leaving MD closed) and turn on air compressor to blow out SKIMMER. Once skimmer is blown out, pour some antifreeze down skimmer hole and cap with winterizer plug. Leave SKIMMER valve open. (I also read some folks blow the skimmer line by attaching the compressor to the skimmer hole, but I think I can do this from the pump basket, right)?

5) Attach air compressor to hold inside of pump basket that goes to pressure side. Turn on air compressor to blow water from the two return jets. I am assuming the air will be blown from the pump, filter, heater, and inline chlorinator, as well. Turn off air compressor and cap both return jets with winterizer plugs. (The company that did it yesterday actually connected their vacuum to the return lines directly (had to break a union), bypassing the filter, heater, and chlorinator because they said they could net get enough air to the returns when attempting to do it first from the pump filter basket. But, they did try to do it first through the pump basket. I also read that some folks put anti-freeze in the return lines, so I may consider doing this - thoughts?

6) Remove pressure guage and glass jar from filter.

7) Remove plugs from pump, filter, and chlorinator. (Please let me know if I should do this at earlier...)

8) Put filter to WINTER.

Ok, folks - is this right? Are the steps in the right order?

Appreciate all the feedback.