I used a linear gradient bar that I had made in PSP 5.0... using very narrow strips of colour...cut and pasted into a longer version, and then used 2 pieces to make a crossbar at the top. This is the main metallic strut that is part of the strut sample tubes that you downloaded on page 1. (The idea came from a picture that I copied of a real above ground pool).

If you have your own pool...you may want to try and improve on my idea of a "strut", but, if not,....use the tube samples I have provided, and then colourize them to compliment your pool liner. *smile*

There are 3 different struts....one for the center, that is the "main strut", one on either side of this, that is the "next strut" and one at each end...the "last strut". The latter 2 are slight deformations from the initial strut...narrowed in on each side and angled 1 degree, either right, or left, and resized accordingly. (I haven't elaborated on this...'cause I thought the tutorial was already getting a bit long...and we're far from done!) *grin*