Intex Ultra Frame Pools - All joints look stressed?

Hi,

I am new to this forum but it looks like there are tons of smart people. I saw a friends Intex 18x52 ultra frame pool and decided to buy my own 24'x52" ultra frame. I've got it assembled and about half way full, but all of the t-joints at the top of each leg looks like the top bars are pulling pretty hard on it. The plastic "button" that keeps them from separating is on an angle pretty badly, and it looks like if left, eventually will break and the top bars will start to separate from the t-joint. Kind of like someone is pulling on both of your arms, and you are just waiting for them both to pop out of the socket. Our ground is pretty level as well, within an inch or so all the way around...

Also, come to find out, my friend's was doing the same thing and he ultimately disassembled and returned his while still in the return period.

Are these pools known for doing this? I read tons of reviews before purchasing and they all were pretty raving.

Thanks in advance everyone!

- Frank

Can you take pictures? If so, send them to poolforum AT gmail DOT com and I'll take a look, and then post them. Please send LARGE pictures -- I'll edit them. Small pics often don't have the detail needed to see the problem.

I've installed that type of Intex myself, but didn't have a problem. On the other hand, I am pretty mechanical.

Ben

I've got the 18x48 and my plastic buttons go all the way through the bars. I don't really see how they could be in at an angle? I'm sorry to ask a stupid question, but did you put them through the top and bottom part of the bar?