Lowering the CYA won't help you get rid of the pink algae; you'll still have to run 20+% chlorine level, just readjusted to whatever the new CYA level is.

Lowering phosphates (<0.100 ppm) and raising borates (>60 ppm) will probably help you get rid of the pink algae, and will definitely make it easier to avoid other forms of algae (green, mustard, black). Given that porous marcite is particularly prone to both mustard and black algae, that might be good idea.

Painting? I wouldn't if you can wait for the marcite. Ask your friend how often he repaints pools . . . and make sure you want to get on that treadmill before you do so. Keep in mind that painting makes resurfacing considerably more difficult, since every trace of the paint has to be removed.