We have a 10 day old IGP (Marcite) and I got the water tested at a local pool store. They had me buy about $100 of stuff . When I asked if results are effected by the new pool surface (I am still brushing 2X day), they didn't really know so I thought I would get second opinion here.
Yes, a new plaster pool will affect pool chem. I would search posts for 'new plaster' or 'new pool' for specific answers - my pool is 30yrs old!

The water is clear and I think as a newbie I am doing OK. I received a small test kit from PB and surprising (or maybe not) it's results are not same as pool store.
No surprise there... human error, contamination, etc. Get a decent kit, if you can't wait for Ben's get a Taylor K-2006, and test consistently then you know you can trust your results.

Oh, I have a auto chlorine dispenser set about 25% open.
I would stop using this soon and begin BBB method as anything that goes into automated chlorinator is stabalized - CYA. 30-50 is ideal and you are approaching. Save the pucks for going away on vacation and treat with bleach now to keep the CYA steady.

I am going to buy one of Ben's kits, bummer it sounds like they have quite a lead time.
Any drop-based kit from Walmart, etc will do the trick in the short term if you want to order Ben's.


Total Chlorine 1.0 ppm
Free Chlorine 1.0 ppm
Ph 7.5
Calcium Hardness 160 ppm
Stabilizer 25ppm
TDS 325 ppm
Total Alk 65ppm

I am sorta worried about adding the stabilizer and Calcium hardness since reversion is difficult.
CH is one thing that will 'bounce' around for a new pool because of the plaster walls.