It's pretty good so far.
You want the drain plugs in for blowing or else the system becomes a flute with valuable air pressure escaping several places. Once blown, then remove the drain plugs for the pump / filter/ heater to drain any residuals.
When you start at the skimmer, turn off everything but the drains. Once air is flowing out the bottom, close the drain valve to air lock it (with the cyclone still blowing). Then cycle though the others one at a time until they are all empty too. Add 1/2 gallon to a gallon at each cleanout at the pad, and cap/gizmo all the pool side openings.
Remove drain plugs just in case any water gets in the equipment over the winter. Put them in a zip lock baggie inside the pump basket, inside the pump so you'll know where they are in the spring.
Putting the cover on is easier than taking it off because it's easier to get the tool in there. Start with the corners and stairs and then go around the pool securing 2 opposite anchors at a time. Do the halfway ones first, then half the halfs that are left and so on. I stick the tool through the spring with the spring about a foot high. Secure the tool end to the anchor, and step on the spring as you move the lever away from the pool. The spring should snap down and land on the anchor pretty easy, but some of them are stubborn and take a few tries.
When it's time to open, it'll be your 3rd rodeo and you'll long be a pro at it.
