I bought PVC pipe today called schedule 40,3/4", a 10 foot piece at Lowes was $1.94....just got thru cutting it....will let you know how it works. and yes I also could not find the fiberglass rods, like that came with the frame.
and I live in a very large city, population over 100,000, checked at both my local Home Depot and Lowes...figured if they didn't have it no one would. I took one of the ends with me and it did fit this pipe....