It will smell, and it is tough to get out. Don't worry about looking silly in the pool. I tested mine out in the pool last year when my new one came. It is the smart thing to do.

The water should fill up the wetsuit. That is part of what keeps you warm. You just want to make sure it fits well enough that you do not have gaps of material behind your knees etc where big pockets of water form.

Do you have anywhere nearby that you can get in open water?