Eric,
Sounds like you have missing bands. The bands are like a rubber band that stretch around the top of each individual Aqua Klean Filter. I like the system but the filters do not last long and they are $30 each from LA spas. Thats $100 for every three months. Be careful washing them. Do not use too much bleach only use 1/4 cup and wash in gentle cycle with no soap.
Hope this helps!