@Leebo, can you add a link to TFP in the video description? We may get more non-TFP people watching this and the other winterizing video when it comes out.
Some things you should invest in before winter:
water thermometer: If you have 60 something degree water and you are predicted to get an overnight freeze at say 30-32 degrees, the water will be warm enough to prevent the pipes from freezing if you run the pump. It can help you not panic so much over your first time with a freeze. Pay attention when the prediction is for a hard freeze. That's when the temp is 28 degrees or lower over several hours then it is cold enough for damage to occur over a few hours.
pool noodles: Pick up a few at an end of season sale. Dollar stores sometimes have them too. You can cut the up to insulate pipes for the house as well as the pool. You can also stick a few sections in the skimmer to provide a crush area and displace water.
pool plugs: If you don't know what type of plug you need for the skimmer and returns you need to find out now. Find out if your returns are threaded or if they have a special groove that locks in the eyeball fitting. You need to know how to remove the eyeball before a freeze hits. A threaded return can use a threaded plug. A return that is not threaded needs an expanding plug and you want to practice putting it in before a freeze comes. Buy plugs and eyeball remover tools if you need them.
duct tape: So you can tape the pool noodles around the pipes.
box cutter: To cut pool noodles.
Things to think about:
Plan where the water will go if you decide to drain: If you have several days notice of a hard freeze coming and you decide to drain, do it slowly so the water has a chance to evaporate or soak into the soil before the freeze starts. Don't be the rotten neighbor who drains 3000 gallons of water onto the side walk or street hours before the temps drop below freezing. Know if your water runs off into the neighbors yard you could be creating a fall hazard they are unaware of.
If you have an above ground pool:
Plug the skimmer and return. Put cut up pool noodle pieces in the skimmer Disconnect hoses and drain the pump and filter. Drain heater if you have it. If your AGP is hard plumbed, plug the skimmer and returns, drain pump, filter, and heater, and open any unions to allow water to run out. If you have an SWG make sure the water drains out of the cell.