Does anyone happen to know if I can expect some plumbing leaks with my Intex pool (new)?

The nuts on both input and output are dripping intermittant drips. The threads were coated with petroleum jelly and hand-tightened as per instructions...can I use some plumber's tape? Are these plastic nuts notorious leakers? Next year I think I'll use a bead of silicon.

Should I call to gripe and see if they'll replace them, or is this just a problem I can pretty much expect with this pool, even with replacements?

Amy