Depending on your water table, keep it as empty & dry as possible. Open up the main drain and check the hydrostatic valve or unscrew the plug. This will help alleviate any upward force that could float your pool (very rare).

Ask as you go and we can help. A lot of "piddly" jobs you can do a bit at a time.

No CA for us, we're over in Okla. and we pronounce it different (mare-in).