If you're adding the acid to try to keep the pH down, then turn the return jet pointed back down--riffling the water by turning the jet upwards is causing your pH to rise. If you're adding the acid to try to lower TA, then you can drop your pH with the acid to 7.0, and make more of a difference each time than you are if you're only lowering it by 0.3 every time. Really though, if you're going to use stabilized chlorine, your TA is just fine where it is, and if your fill water is high, then you're wasting your time and acid in trying to lower it because it will rise again any time you need to top off the pool.

Once you start using the dichlor again, it will help keep your pH down, because it is very acidic. You do, however, want to keep an eye on your CYA because dichlor will raise it quickly.