Hayward Extended-Cycle D.E. Pool Filter

Within a week of installation, the threaded outlet on the lid cracked and started leaking. Rather than deal with Amazon, I contacted Hayward. They kindly sent me a replacement lid. The gentleman I spoke to also recommended that I use "Joint Stik" rather than teflon tape on the threads. I asked him how tight the bolts on the lid should be, but I never got a response. After installing the new lid, it leaks. I tightened the bolts a few times, but am afraid to over-tighten them and cause it to crack. It's also leaking from the threaded outlet, even though I used the recommended "Joint Stik". To make matters worse, the plastic surrounding the threaded inlet at the bottom of the filter is now also cracked and leaking. Now that it's too late for a complete replacement from Amazon, I have emailed Hayward to see what can be done. Honestly, I'm very frustrated with my experience with this filter. My 20+ year old Pentair D.E. filter worked better. Since I have yet to read anyone having these same problem, it seems like I have a manufacturing defect with mine. Note: I followed the manual. I did not over-tighten the connections. Update: I called Hayward to see about a replacement. Hayward told me I have to deal with Amazon. The problem is, it's passed the return period, so I will only get a partial refund and I have to pay for the shipping! So I am to ship this big box to Kentucky and hope for the best? Really??? I may have to call the credit card company and see about a refund, because quite frankly, I feel like I was taken. After reading the reviews here, I think I got a used unit. Apparently, the inlet and outlet come from the factory pointing the same direction. The outlet on mine was on one side. In the meantime, I have since bought a new filter from Pentair and it works flawlessly. Hayward lost me as a customer. Update 2: I contacted Amazon about this. After explaining all the issues I had and how poorly I was treated by the manufacturer, Amazon agreed to let me return the filter for a full refund. Even though the return/refund period had expired. Amazon is awesome! I dropped off this piece of junk at UPS today. Now I can put this fiasco behind me! Amazon made my day!