Ok, Gnar. Looks like I won. We jumped in yesterday, 10 days earlier than anticipated. After we had pool school, our pool company said it was safe to get in as long as the chemicals were at a safe level. It took three days after they told us that until our pH actually reached 7.2. It was way below 7.0 since they were continuing adding Muriatic acid to keep the pool acidic for "plaster curing".
Some minor items to patch up (waterfall has a spot that needs mortar, pavers need more sand, etc) but overall the first swim was wonderful. I will keep my fingers crossed for you, Gnar.