Can I winterize an above-ground pool myself, and what are the most common mistakes to avoid?

Yes, you can do it yourself, but missing one step can lead to costly repairs. The basic steps are: balance water, lower it below the skimmer, drain pump and filter, blow out lines, plug everything, and cover it — order matters. The two most expensive mistakes are forgetting to drain the pump (it cracks) and not using a winter plug in the skimmer (ice splits it). Buy a winterizing kit, watch the pump’s drain plugs, and don’t skip the air pillow under the cover.