Hey Elsie

Carl was talking about his AG pool v.s. your IG pool, so obviously there will some differences in the closing process.

It sounds like you know your pool and winter climate well enough to do things the way you suggested. (Carl and I are both Northerners where freezing can severely damage the plumbing, but if you can insulate the exposed pipes during the cold snaps - it's always a good idea)

Don't worry about the filter draining, it'll take a few days to fully drain with the plug pulled (the white cap at the bottom) and the multi in 'winterize' but, it's early enough not to have to worry about the filter freezing

Please let us know how the early closing goes.