Hello Rick, and Welcome to TFP,
Congrats on your new home, and your new pool. If you don't get to use it this season because of the late closing you can spend your Winter learning how to care for it using our wide base of information here on TFP. Then come Spring, you will know how to properly manage it, and be able to enjoy. We are all here to answer any questions you may have along the way.
Pool School is the best place to get started
http://www.troublefreepool.com/content/123-abc-of-pool-water-chemistry
Also I'd like to recommend before you begin maintaining your pool that you also purchase a recommended test kit as it will be without a doubt the Single best investment you'll make to be able to properly maintain your pool.
The Kits we recommend ARE:
Either a TF-100 available at
http://tftestkits.net/TF-100-Test-Kit-p4.html
or
a Taylor K-2006 also available
http://tftestkits.net/Taylor-K-2006-p27.html and also available several places on line, and some of your local pool stores may also sell them.
These are the only 2 test kits we recommend as their accuracy and testing ability can not be compared to others.
The TF-100 offers you more reagents for the money than the Taylor K-2006, but either will work to allow you to properly level, and maintain your pool.
Also many of our members here also LOVE the Magnetic Speedstir (most members also get a 2nd magnetic stir bar to not have to wash the one between tests). The Speedstir does a lot of the work for you and is also fun to use too, so that too may be something you'd be interested in.
Here is the link for the Speedstir if interested:
http://tftestkits.net/SpeedStir-Magnetic-Stirrer-p56.html
Here is the link for the extra magnetic stir bar:
http://tftestkits.net/Magnetic-Stirring-Bar-1-p68.html
Also if you become a TFP Lifetime Member by making a donation to our site, You will save 10% on your purchase through TFtestkits (so it's a win win
(See the Support This Site Link in my Signature information below if interested in becoming a Lifetime or Platinum Member of this wonderful site.
If you have any questions just feel free to ask. We are here to help in any way we can. Have a wonderful day.