R,
Welcome to TFP... A Great resource for all of us that have been Pool $tored...
In the last three years I have never added "Shock", Algaecide, or any other product sold by the pool store!!!
There are four ways to chlorinate your pool...
1. Using chlorinated 3" pucks... We do not recommend them, and you have discovered why..
2. Manually add Liquid Chlorine or plain Bleach on a regular basis. Usually daily or ever other day.
3. Use a Stenner pump to automatically add Liquid Chlorine or bleach.
4. Use a Saltwater Chlorine Generator (SWCG) to convert the salt in your pool into chlorine.
You ask "...Are the pucks totally out the question.?" Well, that depends on your CYA level. If your CYA level is low then you can use pucks, if your CYA level is too high already, then using pucks will just compound the problem.
If you had one of our recommended test kits, you would know the answer to the question... I recommend the TF-100 or the Taylor K-2006C.
Check out this page.....
https://www.troublefreepool.com/content/122-what-is-tfpc-bbb
Thanks for posting,
Jim R.