Thompson's is a very good product when applied according to professional standards.

To remove it, use Thompson's Water Seal Maximum Strength Deck Stripper.

If water is no longer beading on the surface, it is not necessary to remove the product, but merely clean the surface. The problem is usually in protected areas where the sun and rain have not degraded the product.

In general, non-pigmented sealers don't provide as much protection as pigmented stains, as it is the pigment that blocks the UV rays of the sun. The more pigment, the better the protection. I also dislike water based products as they tend to form a film on the surface, unlike oil. If a film is present, there is always the possibility of it peeling. Oil products need more often refreshing, but they will not require stripping.