Orange Stain Problem

[DavidD]

When you say your octagon pool has "10 foot sides", I am assuming each of the 8 sides is 10 feet long, I'm estimating your pool is between 9k & 10k gallons. Let's use 10k for now.
Looking at your initial test, the stain is probably algae due to no FC and high CC & your dangerously low PH of 6.8. I think you should not worry about the stains just yet, but concentrate on getting the pool balanced and clear. The only way to accomplish this is to kill the algae/mold/"snot". If you have not already done so, read ALL of the Tips at http://www.poolsolutions.com/tips/10things.html. These are the basics. Also, you can review some of the post in the Dealing with Algae section.
Good job on purchasing the PS234. I have the older model and can't begin to tell you how much time, trouble and money it has saved me. For now, go back to the pool store and get them to test for FC, CC (FC + CC=TC), PH, ALK, CH and CYA (I'm assuming the numbers you posted were before adding all of the "stuff" they sold you). They will try to sell you more "stuff", but play dumb and say something like "my husband said just to test for now" or something to that effect. Also, you probably should run by Wal-Mart, Home Depot or K Mart and purchase one of their 5 Way Test kits and a gallon of distiled water to get you by until you get your "real" test kit. I think they're $10 or less and this will save you trips back and forth to the pool store. These kits do not test for FC but only for TC, and they only test to 5ppm so you will have to use CarlD's "patented shot glass method" to test higher by diluting the pool water sample with distilled water.
Post some numbers and we'll go from there. You'll be swimming soon!

Dave

PS.This post should probably be moved to the Dealing with Algae section