Is winterizing a saltwater above-ground pool different from a regular chlorinated pool?

Yes, but it’s nearly identical — just with one extra step for the salt cell. You still balance water, add winterizing chemicals, and drop chlorine levels. The only difference is you must remove the salt cell from the plumbing loop before draining or blowing out lines, clean it, and store it inside to prevent cracking. Everything else — draining, plugging, blowing out lines, covering — is the same.