Groupe Gecko Alliance

What Groupe Gecko Alliance does

Gecko Alliance is a Quebec-based OEM component manufacturer specializing in control systems, keypads, pumps, and value-added accessories for the global spa and hot tub industry. Founded in 1989 and operating from a Quebec City headquarters with manufacturing facilities in Tijuana, Mexico, the company sells embedded electronics that hot tub manufacturers integrate directly into their finished products. Its product portfolio is anchored on the Y Series, X Series, S-Class, and M-Class control systems and extends through an extensive keypad range (entry-level in.k8 / in.k19 through touchscreen in.k1000+), the Maelstrom (VMS-1, MS-1, CMS-1) and Aqua-Flo (XP2, XP2e, XP3, Circ-Master) pump families, sanitation systems (Gecko waterlab continuous water monitoring and in.clear bromine dosing), connectivity devices (in.touch 2/3), the iOS/Android Gecko App, heat pumps (in.temp, in.temp mini), external heating control (in.grid), LED lighting (in.lu.me, in.mix 300), and audio (in.stream 2).

Gecko generates revenue primarily through B2B hardware sales to spa manufacturers (OEM embedded channel) and through an aftermarket dealer and distributor network spanning Canada, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany. A secondary revenue stream comes from the Gecko App, which operates on a freemium model with a premium subscription tier for water monitoring, dosing recommendations, and energy analytics; the premium features are gated on in.touch 3 hardware, which creates cross-sell between installed hardware and recurring software revenue. The company employs 251-500 people and operates a customer portal, professional installer app (in.touch IC), and integrated technical support across North America and Europe.

Since July 2022, Gecko has been majority-owned by NEXCAP Partenaires alongside Desjardins Capital, Fondaction, and Fonds de solidarité FTQ, with Georges Marchildon serving as President and CEO. The company's strategic direction under PE ownership is reflected in four product launches during 2024 — the VMS-1 variable speed pump, the flx.go recessed keypad, the Gecko waterlab, and the in.ye-V3 control system — alongside the rollout of the premium Gecko App tier and expanded European technical-support infrastructure.

Name

Groupe Gecko Alliance

Legal name

Gecko Alliance

Website

https://geckoalliance.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Groupe Gecko Alliance is a Quebec-based OEM manufacturer of control systems, keypads, pumps, sanitation, and connected accessories for the global spa and hot tub industry, supplying manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and technicians across Canada, the US, and Europe.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Spa and Hot Tub Components

NAICS

Ventilation, Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing (33341)

SIC

Refrigeration & Service Industry Machinery (3580)

akta.pro primary industry

Equipment Installation & Upgrades (Automation, Covers, Sanitizers) (HSAIALAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Filter, Pump & Heater Maintenance/Repair (HSAIALAC)

Keywords

• Spa control systems
• Hot tub components
• Variable speed pumps
• Spa keypads
• Water sanitation systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Quebec

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. B2B Component Sales to OEMs: Gecko Alliance generates revenue by selling control systems, keypads, pumps, and accessories directly to hot tub and spa manufacturers as embedded components. The company designs and manufactures products that are integrated into OEM spa products, serving manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and technicians globally.
2. aftermarket and replacement parts: Sales of replacement parts and service products to existing spa owners and service technicians through customer portal and distributors.
3. Gecko App Premium Features: Gecko app offers free basic remote control features with premium features for water monitoring, analytics, and smart recommendations requiring subscription.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Groupe Gecko Alliance designs, manufactures, and distributes control systems, keypads, pumps, and value-added accessories for spas and hot tubs. The company supplies OEMs, distributors, retailers, and service technicians globally with an integrated ecosystem spanning water chemistry monitoring, IoT connectivity, and AI-enabled mobile applications. Manufacturing is anchored at a Tijuana, Mexico facility, with headquarters and R&D in Quebec City, Canada.

Product overview

Groupe Gecko Alliance is a Quebec-based manufacturer and distributor of systems for spas and hot tubs with over 35 years of industry experience. The company offers a comprehensive product portfolio organized around five core categories: Control Systems (Y Series, X Series, S-Class, M-Class), Keypads (ranging from basic LCD/LED models like in.k8 and in.k200 to advanced touchscreen keypads like in.k1000+), Pumps (Maelstrom brand including VMS-1 variable speed, MS-1 jet pump, CMS-1 circulation pump; and Aqua-Flo brand including XP2, XP2e, XP3), Sanitation & Water Management (Gecko waterlab for continuous water monitoring and in.clear bromine system), and Connectivity & Accessories (in.touch 2/3 for smartphone control, Gecko app, in.temp heat pumps, in.grid external heating control, in.lu.me and in.mix 300 for LED lighting, in.stream 2 for audio). The ecosystem is designed so that control systems serve as the core platform, with keypads providing user interface, pumps enabling water circulation, and accessories (connectivity, heating, lighting, audio) extending functionality. Products are sold primarily to hot tub manufacturers (OEM), distributors, retailers, and service technicians globally.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Gecko: Main brand for spa and hot tub controls, keypads, pumps, and accessories

Products and services

• Y Series Control Systems Flagship Gecko control system line featuring cutting-edge technology for reliability and safety, compatible with current and future spa models. Includes Y-series packs like in.ye, in.yt, and in.yj for OEM integration.
• X Series Control Systems Control systems for spas including in.xm and in.xe models, offering versatile spa control with user-friendly interfaces and advanced diagnostics for OEM integration.
• S-Class & M-Class Control Systems Modular and scalable control systems. S-Class supports up to three pumps with diagnostic tools; M-Class targets mid-size spas with precise temperature control.
• in.k1000+ Touchscreen Keypad High-end touchscreen keypad with LCD display, menu-driven interface, watercare programs, and control of spa accessories including in.stream 2, in.mix LEDs, and in.temp heat pump.
• in.k800 Color Keypad Bright, full-color display keypad with high-resolution screen, compatible with Y and X series control systems.
• in.k500 Color Keypad Full-color display keypad with high-resolution screen, controls up to 2 pumps, lights, and is compatible with in.mix 300 audio system.
• in.k600 Keypad LCD and LED keypad with menu-driven interface for controlling spa temperature, pumps, lights, and other features.
• in.k450 Keypad Compact keypad with backlit LCD screen and 7 buttons for controlling spa temperature, jets, lights, and other features.
• in.k200 Keypad Compact keypad for spa systems with LED indicators for heating, filtering, and pump status.
• in.k35 Keypad Control keypad for spa features and settings including temperature, pumps, lights, and filtration cycles.
• in.k8 Keypad Control panel with 8 buttons for temperature, pump, and light control; compatible with Y and XE series.
• VMS-1 Variable Speed Pump Motor-driven variable speed pump for spa application under the Maelstrom brand. Variable speed control delivers energy savings and a longer lifespan than fixed-speed pumps.
• MS-1 Maelstrom Jet Pump Jet pump for spas and hot tubs with flow rates from 183-270 GPM and 2.0-3.0 HP power rating at 230V. Available in CE and UL models.
• CMS-1 Maelstrom Circulation Pump Circulation pump with maximum flow rate of 70-85 GPM, 1 HP, operating on 115 or 230 volts. Quiet operation at 44 dB.
• Aqua-Flo XP3 Pump Powerful pump with 2.5 inch intake and discharge, maximum flow rate of 325 GPM, designed for swim spas.
• Gecko waterlab Water monitoring and dosing recommendation solution integrated under the spa. Monitors ORP and sanitizer levels over 1,000 times per week to detect algae growth, low salt, and water chemistry issues, with real-time app notifications.
• in.clear Bromine Sanitation System Bromine-based water sanitation system for hot tubs providing clear, clean, and soft water. Not available for sale in Canada due to Health Canada regulations.
• in.touch 3 & 3+ Connectivity Device Connectivity device for spa remote control via smartphone. in.touch 3 provides connectivity only; in.touch 3+ adds water monitoring integration. Uses RF communication between spa and home modules.
• in.touch 2 Connectivity Device Previous-generation mobile remote control for spas using RF communication. Compatible with X and Y series control systems from 2012 onward, with Alexa voice assistant integration.
• in.touch IC Professional application for spa technicians to remotely monitor and control customer pool and spa equipment, compatible with iOS and Android devices.
• Gecko App All-in-one mobile application to control and monitor spas anywhere, anytime. Available for iOS and Android with spa remote control, energy efficiency features, water management, and an AI-built recommendation engine. Free and premium subscription tiers.
• in.temp Heat Pump Air source heat pump for spas and swim spas with 5kW and 7.5kW models, integrated with Gecko control systems for efficient heating across operating range from -5°C to 43°C.
• in.temp mini Heat Pump Most affordable heat pump fully integrated with the Gecko spa system.
• in.stream 2 Audio System High-quality audio amplifier system with Bluetooth connectivity, FM radio, USB input, and auxiliary input for playing music through spa audio system.
• in.lu.me LED Lighting System Waterproof RGB LED lighting system for hot tubs supporting up to 120 LEDs with multiple lighting modes including static colors and rainbow effects, operating on 9 volts.
• in.grid Smart device for controlling third-party heating sources like heat pumps and thermal stores. Works with Y-series control systems and can be controlled remotely via the in.touch 2 app.
• in.mix 300 Lighting Control Light control system for adding color to hot tubs, controlled via in.touch 2 or in.mix 300 control on color screen keypads.
• flx.go Keypad First and only high-resolution keypad designed for recessed (face-in) installation, providing an integrated visual aesthetic for spa manufacturers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Gecko waterlab monitors water chemistry over 1,000 times per week to detect issues early
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

AI capability3 records

Feature8 records

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• Hayward Industries: Hayward is a leading pool equipment manufacturer with pumps, filters, heaters, automation controls, and lighting under brands like OmniLogic. Comparable as a broader pool/spa controls incumbent whose automation platforms compete for OEM and end-user mindshare.
• Maytronics: Maytronics is a global leader in robotic pool cleaners and broader pool care technology, with expanding connected/IoT offerings. Comparable as a broad pool-tech incumbent whose connected product strategy parallels Gecko's smart spa direction.
• Fluidra (Zodiac Pool Systems): Fluidra owns Zodiac and a portfolio of pool/spa equipment brands globally, including pumps, automation, and connected solutions. Comparable as a broad incumbent with overlapping spa automation and pump categories.
• Pentair: Pentair is a global pool and water treatment major with a broad portfolio including pumps, filters, heaters, automation, and lighting for residential and commercial pools/spas. Overlaps with Gecko's pumps, automation, and connected wellness offerings as a wider incumbent.

Direct peers

• Balboa Water Group: Balboa Water Group is one of the largest global manufacturers of spa and hot tub control systems, keypads, and packs — directly competing with Gecko's Y and X series control systems on the same OEM customers.
• Waterway Plastics: Waterway Plastics manufactures spa pumps, jets, filters, and accessories for spa OEMs. Comparable as a B2B component supplier focused on spa fluid-handling and pumping subsystems similar to Gecko's Maelstrom and Aqua-Flo pump lines.
• Davey Water Products: Davey (including its SpaQuip line) is an Australian-headquartered manufacturer of spa and pool pumps, controls, and water management products. Comparable as an OEM-focused component supplier with similar integrated pump + control offering.
• Hydro-Quip: Hydro-Quip manufactures spa and hot tub controls, heaters, and packs, serving the same OEM channel as Gecko Alliance. Its product portfolio directly overlaps with Gecko's control systems and sanitation offerings.

Others

• Watkins Wellness: Watkins Wellness owns Hot Spring Spas and is one of North America's largest spa OEMs. As a customer-adjacent manufacturer that has historically integrated control systems, it represents both a current buyer of OEM components and a potential vertical competitor to Gecko.
• Jacuzzi Group: Jacuzzi is a heritage spa and hot tub brand and OEM manufacturer. Relevant as a vertically-integrated spa maker that procures control components and could choose to internalize similar capabilities as Gecko's.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@geckoallianceEN
• Facebookfacebook.com/GeckoAlliance
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/751147
• Xx.com/GeckoAlliance

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors5 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Groupe Gecko Alliance