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Seasonal Specialty Stores is an Amherst pool and spa retailer with a service department at 120 Route 101A. Its own service page says the team helps customers open and close pools and offers weekly maintenance, alongside pool supplies, spas, patio furniture, grills, and game-room products. Customers describe relying on the store for pool supplies, water testing, pool opening and closing, seasonal maintenance, and equipment installation. Recent reviews praise knowledgeable staff, stocked inventory, and helpful service; one customer described a new filter and pump installation where the technician explained the options and planned replacement timing. Other reviews describe clear pool maintenance across an entire season. The review history also contains repeated complaints about unanswered calls, poor customer service, confusing sales information, and slow resolution of a furniture replacement. A 2026 review says the phone was not answered and another reports an unhelpful parts counter; a separate complaint describes a spa that arrived three months later than expected after the customer was steered toward a more expensive model. Ask who will handle service, what equipment is actually available, and what the written delivery and follow-up terms are. Seasonal Specialty Stores is a fit for pool supplies, maintenance, opening and closing, and related equipment needs when the scope and response expectations are clear. Confirm the service schedule and contact person before committing to a larger installation or purchase.
“This award is sponsored by Seasonal Specialty Stores”
“This award is sponsored by Seasonal Specialty Stores”
“And Dennis DiPaolo, owner of Seasonal Specialty Stores in Amherst, has to turn away requests to service pools.”
“Dennis DiPaolo, owner of Seasonal Specialty Stores in Amherst”
“Seasonal Specialty Stores, 120 Route 101A, is offering free classes on swimming pool care to make your pool care safe, easy and fun.”
Supplier of last resort. Parts dept. guy's demeanor was unhelpful, impatient, and arrogant. One of those types who doesn't like to be questioned. I had a question about parts and equipment that I had bought from them, specifically replacing a 2 inch union from water heater to pool pump. They switched PVC supplier, Spears to Lesco. But my old Spears union has same dimensions and most likely the same coarse thread count (specified in the American National Standard B2.1) as their Lesco so it would be a reasonable test to see if the Spears male fitting could mate properly to the Lesco female fitting. The similarity between the two was remarkable because Spears & Lesco unions are much smaller than the brands of 2" union carried by the big box stores and another hardware store i checked. Unlike other hardware stores their parts are zip tied together so you can't test them against a part you own. 1) I asked whether we could remove the zip tie so I could test. He just stated the obvious that they were different manufacturers. 2) When I noted the similarities he just repeated himself and then cited his 30 some years experience, I guess implying that I should trust him at his word and ignore what i could plainly see. 3) The only suggestion he had was to cut off the old and move on. When I tried to explain that the pipe coming out of the bottom of the water heater was short he again stated the obvious that only a short length of pipe is inserted into the Union. 4) When I explained how the water heater face stepped down and into the base where the pipes exited and wouldn't leave clearance for a union if the pipe was cut back he lost patience and brushed me off with a "that's an equipment question." SS Lost a sale and my customer loyalty. Being DYI w/o much experience with PVC schedule 40 fitting options, I eventually discovered a few coupling options at Lowes that could extend the 2" water heater pipe so I could safely cut off the old part. Also for a store that has such light traffic, it's a bit annoying that they 1) only had one of the external double doors unlocked, 2) force you to turn left though another set of double doors in their little vestibule to enter the store, the right side double doors only for exiting, and 3) force you to walk down an isle lined w/ chairs into the middle of the store and away from the parts dept. before you can turn right to go into the parts department.
Called the day before and talked shade umbrellas. Steve was awesome. Went the next day, Steve wasn't there. The guy I dealt with had no personality. Bought an umbrella aways from him. Went back the next day to get the umbrella and interacted with 4 people that were robots. Nice store, huge selection. Just need some energy in the employees.
They never answer the phone! I’ve left messages looking for my order status SEVERAL times. I find it hard to believe that they are so busy on a Monday or Tuesday that they can’t pick up the phone. Moreover, they promise to return the call within 24 hours. That never happens either. The only thing they’re good at is collecting the money for purchases. I WILL NEVER EVER BUY ANYTHING FROM THEM AGAIN. If I could leave a zero star review, I would.
I’ve been using Seasonal Specialties for 25 years and I’ve probably spent tens of thousands of dollars between pool chemicals, heaters, filters, and furniture in the store. The quality of customer service at the testing and service counter has fallen off a cliff. The amount of arrogance is unbelievable. They talk to you like you’re a complete idiot and belittle you. I’m not sure what Chip is on this guy‘s shoulder, but someone needs to let him know he just tells people what chemicals to add to their pool he’s not doing surgery. The people who work the front desk and the chemical pick up area are very pleasant, but unfortunately this guy’s attitude has rubbed off to everyone behind the counter over at the service area.
Enjoy the water testing amenity when I'm changing over the water in my spa
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1 change recorded — last scanned Sep 8, 2026.
Sized before sold5.0
