A strong chlorine smell is often a sign that the pool needs better cleanup, better circulation, or fresher balance, not automatically less chlorine.
Do not trust smell by itself
That sharp odor often points to chloramines and contamination byproducts, not necessarily a high free-chlorine level. Smell is a clue, not the diagnosis.
If you lower chlorine without testing first, you can accidentally make a dirty-water problem worse.
Check recent pool use and air movement
Heavy swimmer load, storms, body oils, and poor fresh-air movement can all make a pool feel harsher than the number on the strip suggests. Indoor spaces can magnify that effect even more.
Also look at pH. Water that has drifted out of range can feel rougher on eyes and skin than homeowners expect.
Clean up, then retest
Retest first, clean up demand, and use a measured recovery plan if the pool is not holding up well. A little patience here prevents the classic cycle of overcorrecting and then chasing the rebound.
If odor or irritation stays severe after you clean up the chemistry and circulation, stop guessing and get professional eyes on the pool area.