How should I winterize my pool in a mild climate?

Don’t drain the pool dry. Lower the water level below the skimmer and return jets, add winter chemicals, and cover it. For above-ground pools, keep a few feet of water to prevent liner shrinkage or wall buckling. Drain the sand filter and leave the valve open, or remove and store a cartridge filter. Add a winterizing plug for the pump, and use antifreeze and a floating winter pillow for rare hard freezes.