What Vortex Aquatic Structures International does

Vortex Aquatic Structures International is a Canadian-based designer, engineer, and manufacturer of aquatic play solutions, founded in 1995 by Stephen Hamelin in Pointe-Claire, Quebec. The company invented the Splashpad® — a zero-depth aquatic play surface that enables interactive water play without standing water — and has grown to more than 12,000 installations across 50 countries on five continents. Its customers are concentrated in three primary verticals — municipal governments, hospitality and resort operators (including hotels, cruise lines, and campgrounds), and waterparks and amusement parks — with smaller exposure to community aquatic centers and specialty or cultural venues.

The product portfolio is anchored by the Splashpad® platform with 250+ interactive features across 12 signature collections (including VECTORY, Explora, Watergarden, Sea Silhouette, Nautique, Toons, Contemporary, Classic, Ground Sprays, Water Journey, Fine Mist, and Spraylink), complemented by multi-level play structures (Elevations™, PlayNuk™), waterslides manufactured via closed-mold resin transfer molding (PrecisionRide™), playable fountains, the immersive Dream Tunnel™ attraction, urban cooling solutions under the CoolHub™ family (including Abrio and the 2026 Aeris Collection), and SmartFlow water management and recirculation systems. The company operates vertically integrated manufacturing across a 220,000+ sq ft facility in Pointe-Claire and a 50,000 sq ft facility in Plattsburgh, New York opened in 2025, with ISO 9001:2015, EN 1090, and ISO 14001:2015 certifications.

Revenue is generated through custom project-based hardware sales (Splashpads, structures, slides, attractions, and water management systems) supplemented by professional services covering design, engineering, manufacturing oversight, certified installation, and post-installation maintenance. Distribution combines direct enterprise field sales in Canada, the US, and Spain with a global network of certified channel partners and distributors across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and Latin America. The company remains privately held and founder-owned by Stephen Hamelin, who continues to serve as President and CEO, with no external institutional capital disclosed.

Name

Vortex Aquatic Structures International

Legal name

Vortex Aquatic Structures International Inc.

Website

https://vortex-intl.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Vortex Aquatic Structures International is a Canadian manufacturer of aquatic play solutions, designing and producing Splashpads, waterslides, multi-level play structures, urban cooling systems, and immersive water attractions for municipalities, resorts, waterparks, and theme parks across 50 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aquatic Play Equipment

NAICS

Amusement Parks and Arcades (7131), Amusement and Theme Parks (71311)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Water Park Equipment & Technology Suppliers (Slides, Pumps, Filtration, Ride Systems) (THAAABAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Aquatic Playgrounds & Splash Pads (Spray Parks, Kids’ Water Play) (THAAABAE), Water Park Design, Engineering & Construction (Master Planning, Build) (THAAABAJ), Aquatic Family Entertainment Centers (Splash Pads, Aquatic Playgrounds, Swim Parks) (THAJAEAL)

Keywords

• Aquatic play equipment
• Water play solutions
• Splash pad systems
• Waterpark attractions
• Urban cooling technology

Headquarters

HQ city

Pointe-claire

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Aquatic Play Equipment Manufacturing & Sales: Core revenue from designing, manufacturing, and selling aquatic play equipment including Splashpads, Elevations, PlayNuk, Waterslides, Playable Fountains, CoolHub, Dream Tunnel, and water management systems. Equipment is custom-built to each project's specifications. Revenue is one-time (project-based) for equipment sale, supplemented by ongoing maintenance and service contracts.
2. Professional Services (Design, Engineering, Installation & Support): Vortex provides full-service project support from start to finish including project design, engineering, world-class manufacturing, installation oversight, and post-installation maintenance and service. Installation is performed by a certified network of local installers. The company also offers free consultations and collaborates with landscape architects and aquatic designers. Maintenance contracts are available through local certified installers.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Vortex designs, manufactures, and sells custom-built aquatic play equipment and water management systems for municipal, hospitality, and commercial venues. Its product portfolio is anchored by the flagship Splashpad® zero-depth play surface with 12 themed collections, multi-level Elevations™ and PlayNuk™ play structures, waterslides, Playable Fountains, the immersive Dream Tunnel™ attraction, and the CoolHub™ urban cooling family. The company delivers full-service turnkey solutions including project design, engineering, in-house manufacturing, certified installation oversight, and ongoing maintenance support across 50 countries.

Product overview

Vortex Aquatic Structures International is a manufacturer of aquatic solutions offering a portfolio of interconnected products centered on the Splashpad® platform. The core offering includes Splashpad® zero-depth aquatic play surfaces with 12 themed collections (Vectory, Explora, Watergarden, Sea Silhouette, Nautical, Toons, Contemporary, Classic, Ground Sprays, Water Journey, Fine Mist, Spraylink), complemented by multi-level structures (Elevations™, PlayNuk™), waterslides, playable fountains, and the immersive Dream Tunnel™ attraction. The portfolio extends to urban climate solutions through the CoolHub™ family (including Abrio and the new Aeris Collection), supported by comprehensive water management systems (SmartFlow, recirculation). The company provides end-to-end services including design, engineering, manufacturing, installation, and ongoing support. Recent expansion includes the 2024 acquisition of Dutch company Watergames & More for European market growth.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Splashpad®: The company's flagship zero-depth aquatic play surface product line, customizable and inclusive water play solution for municipalities and commercial venues.
• CoolHub™
• Dream Tunnel™
• Elevations™
• PlayNuk™
• VECTORY™
• Aeris Collection
• Water Journey™
• Aeris

Products and services

• Splashpad® Signature zero-depth aquatic play surface with 250+ interactive features across 12 themed collections (Vectory, Explora, Watergarden, Sea Silhouette, Nautique, Toons, Contemporary, Classic, Ground Sprays, Water Journey, Fine Mist, Spraylink). Designed for municipalities, resorts, waterparks, and aquatic centers seeking safe, inclusive water play.
• Waterslides Standard and custom waterslides for all ages, manufactured using PrecisionRide™ closed-mold resin transfer molding for superior appearance, smooth friction-reducing junctions, and best strength-to-weight ratio in the industry.
• Elevations™ and PlayNuk™ Multi-level aquatic play structures encouraging movement and interaction across upper and lower levels. Modular, fully customizable designs for family and community water play experiences.
• Playable Fountains Interactive water fountains combining vibrant colors, light, and water choreography. Inclusive, accessible attractions designed for public spaces, plazas, and museums.
• CoolHub™ Urban Cooling Family Water-based urban cooling technology for public spaces, featuring gentle rain, misting, and dedicated relaxation areas. Includes the Abrio collection (2024 MVP) and the 2026 Aeris Collection (Aeris Cloud Mist and Aeris Soft Rain) — button-activated, water-efficient climate-resilient cooling solutions.
• Dream Tunnel™ World's first fully immersive aquatic attraction combining water and light. Riders enter or float through the tunnel for a multi-sensory experience; won Aquatics International Best Product award and WWA Leading Edge Award at Super Aqua Club.
• Water Management Solutions Comprehensive water management systems featuring Smartflow™ technology for aquatic play areas. Provides recirculation, filtration, and sustainable water use for splash pads and water features, minimizing water and energy consumption.
• VECTORY Collection Cutting-edge Splashpad technology collection launched in 2025, representing the company's latest design innovation in aquatic play design.
• Water Journey™ Collection Nature-inspired Splashpad collection featuring products like Pico, Alto, and Hop that mimic river flows and rocky cascades. Includes Tide Pool, Labyrinth, Water Race, and Hop products designed for toddlers and early childhood play with tactile and sensory experiences. Won four IDA Awards in 2019.
• Installation and Support Services Certified installer network, field technician support, customer support center, and annual maintenance training. Includes project design, engineering, installation oversight, and post-installation maintenance and service contracts delivered through a globally certified installer network.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 12,000 custom installations in 50 countries on 5 continents
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers26 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature14 records

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.

• Watergames & MorecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 July 2024Vortex acquired Watergames & More, a Dutch water play experiences company, to expand manufacturing and service capabilities across Europe. The acquisition enhances Vortex's European infrastructure and market reach, leveraging Watergames & More's reputation and network in Northwest Europe. Vortex plans to use this growth to further innovate in sustainable water management and urban aquatic spaces. Watergames & More (now part of Vortex) continues to serve as the company's Netherlands/German regional partner with staff such as Ilona Van Milligen and Remco Snoep representing Vortex.
• McGill EngineminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2022Stephen Hamelin, founder, President and CEO of Vortex, served as keynote speaker at the annual John D. Thompson Entrepreneurial Development Seminar organized by McGill Engine's Summer Student Program, engaging with engineering students on entrepreneurial mindset topics.
• World Waterpark Association (WWA)coreOthers · 17 September 2019Vortex has won three WWA Leading Edge Awards (including 2nd in 2019 for The Wave Coventry) and participates actively in WWA events, demonstrating leadership in the waterpark industry.
• International Design Awards (IDA)coreOthers · 28 March 2019Water Journey products won four prestigious IDA awards and Explora collection won two IDA awards, recognizing Vortex's innovative product design internationally.
• Meliá Hotels InternationalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 18 October 2018Meliá Hotels International partnered with Vortex International for the Circle by Melia resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, to include a full aquatic park equipped by Vortex. This is a flagship installation showcasing Vortex products within a major international hospitality brand.
• PlayQuest RecreationmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCanadian channel partner representing Vortex across multiple provinces including Alberta (Jay Silverman), Northern region (Kelly Symborski), Southern Alberta (Meagan Thomson), Manitoba (Julie O'Shea, Shane Wall), Western Canada (Peggy-Sue Anderson), Ontario (Joel Erb), and Interior BC (Cassandra Desmarais).
• ABC RecreationmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCanadian channel partner serving Ontario and Maritime provinces. Provides local sales, installation, and support for Vortex products in eastern Canada.
• Miracle Playground SalesmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUS channel partner (Monte Corley) serving markets across the US. Contact available at 1-800-905-1411 ext 105.
• Power PlaymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUS channel partner (Craig Hamelin) providing Vortex product sales and support in the US market.
• O'Brien & SonsmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUS channel partner serving multiple US regions with multiple representatives (Brian Lafolla, Joel St'Pierre, Meghan O'Brien, Colin Boutin).
• Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUS channel partner with multiple regional representatives (Ashley Walker, Ryan Bjorklund, Cole Moeller, Jeff Corniea, Brian Stracke, Matt Olds, Patrick Pierce).
• RecreonicsmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUS channel partner (Michael Garland) serving markets including Kentucky and surrounding regions.
• PlaySafe Recreational & Aquatic DesignsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorChannel partner serving New York City, Long Island, and Hudson Valley region (Sal Romanello).
• Denzak Recreational Design & Supply Inc.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorChannel partner serving Upstate New York (Joe Denzak).
• Creative Recreational DesignsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorChannel partner serving the Southwest US (Duke DeFillippo).
• Ross Recreation Equipment CompanymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorChannel partner serving Northern California and Oregon ([email protected]).
• Ustigate WaterplaymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUK-based channel partner serving the United Kingdom (Simon Johnson), part of Vortex's European distribution network.
• StroeblminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGerman channel partner (Martina Wienl) representing Vortex in the German region.
• RSB SolutionsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRomanian channel partner (Sorin Buzoianu) serving Romania and surrounding markets.
• N.E. LabaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIsraeli channel partner (Eran Shoham) serving the Israeli market.
• CADOminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDanish channel partner (Rene Nielson) serving Denmark and Nordic markets.
• AxendomajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorChannel partner serving UAE and Middle East markets (Anne Laurent) with offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
• CT-ArtminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSingapore-based channel partner ([email protected]) serving the Southeast Asian market.
• PlayRopemajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAustralia and New Zealand channel partner serving the ANZ region.
• Egypto SoftminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEgyptian channel partner (Youssef Nabil Fares) serving the Egyptian market.
• Aqua Pro UrbaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrench channel partner (Heloise Blanc) serving the French market.
• Kyungwon Landscape ArchitectureminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKorean channel partner serving the South Korean market.
• RegocminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCroatian channel partner serving the Croatian and Balkan markets.
• Premier QminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMiddle East channel partner (Nabil Rashidi) serving Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
• Montreal Children's Hospital FoundationcoreOthersVortex's annual charity golf tournament has supported the Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation for over 20 years, raising over $100,000 in 2025 alone. Demonstrates Vortex's community commitment and social responsibility.
• Granby ZoocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVortex and Granby Zoo have a renewed collaboration to reimagine the Amazoo water park with new Vortex aquatic play equipment, building on an established partnership.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Whitewater West Industries: Large Canadian-based designer and manufacturer of waterpark attractions, slides, and aquatic play products. Comparable to Vortex across waterslides and waterpark installations but operates at a larger scale across more product categories.
• Polin Waterparks: Turkish global manufacturer of waterslides, waterpark attractions, and themed aquatic experiences. Comparable to Vortex in waterslides and immersive attractions (like Dream Tunnel) but with broader waterpark operator focus.
• ProSlide Technology: Canadian water ride manufacturer specializing in water slides and waterpark attractions globally. Comparable to Vortex's PrecisionRide waterslides business but with a narrower focus on ride systems for large waterparks.

Emerging players

• Landmark Aquatic: US-based aquatic facility management, design, and renovation company serving municipalities and commercial aquatic venues. Comparable end customers (parks, recreation centers) with overlapping splash pad and water feature offerings.
• Aquatic Development Group: US-based design-build firm for commercial pools, waterparks, and aquatic facilities. Comparable to Vortex on municipal and commercial project delivery, with overlap in splash pads and play features.
• Rain Drop Products: US-based manufacturer of splash pads and spray parks for municipal and commercial markets. Closely comparable to Vortex's Splashpad zero-depth aquatic play surfaces.
• Fountain People: US manufacturer of interactive fountains, splash pads, and water features for parks and recreation. Overlaps with Vortex's Playable Fountains and Splashpad offerings, particularly in municipal parks.

Direct peers

• Splashtacular: US-based manufacturer of aquatic play features, spray parks, and water slide components serving municipal and commercial markets. Overlaps with Vortex's Elevations, splash pad, and custom water play offerings.
• Empex Watertoys: Canadian manufacturer of interactive water play structures, spray features, and splash pads for parks and recreation. Directly comparable to Vortex in product type and customer segment, with similar municipal and theme park focus.
• Waterplay Solutions Corp: Kelowna, BC-based manufacturer of aquatic play solutions and splash pads serving municipal, hospitality, and waterpark markets globally. Most direct competitor to Vortex's Splashpad and Elevations product lines.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/vortexintl
• Facebookfacebook.com/vortexintl
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/vortex-aquatic-structures-international
• Instagraminstagram.com/vortexintl

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A1 record

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Vortex Aquatic Structures International