Yes, the ascorbic acid is eating the chlorine. You can start to raise the chlorine to 6, just lower the ph back down to 7.0 - 7.2. You don't have to raise it so slowly when the ph is down. You should be fine - just keep adding chlorine to take it back to 6. As long as the chlroine is still being eaten, you won't get any stains - it won't be high enough long enough to stain You should be ok with the sequesterer. Don't worry so much, I know it's a pain, but you will get the hang of it. If stains do start to come back, just lower the ph and add more sequesterer - it will fade the new stains right away. It is just the embedded ones that need the ascorbic acid. My water temp is 68 too I am hoping to get some more swim season in, but it doesn't look too good - I get really sad when I have to close the pool Keep us posted on your progress.