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Over 25 years of innovation

Founded in 1995 in Montreal, Canada, Vortex International pioneered the Splashpad®. This zero-depth solution puts the focus on play and safety. Our splash pad equipment has revolutionized the way children and families play in urban spaces, waterparks, and resorts worldwide.

Water moves us

We are people-centric innovators with a deep understanding of different markets and community needs. We are your committed business partners – from planning to maintenance. We’re with you at every stage of the project to help you attract, engage, and retain your visitors, no matter your venue.

Global splash pad company

Our innovative approach to water attractions has helped communities, businesses and families grow. As the world’s first Splash pad company, we are proud to have created over 9,000 custom installations spanning 50 countries and 5 continents. Our products include Splashpad®, Elevations™, Water Journey™, waterslides, and the exciting new Dream Tunnel™.

Headquartered in Montreal, Vortex International has regional offices in the United States and Europe, as well as a distribution network supporting Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and Latin America.

9000
Installations
50
Countries

Water slide manufacturer

We get every family member off the beach towel and into the water with a wide range of attractions for a commercial Splash pad! But we are also a leading water slide manufacturer, offering a complete line of standard and custom systems for all ages. Vortex waterslides offer smooth, comfortable rides with exceptional manufacturing and durability.

Contact our team to get a quote for your next project!

 

 

A Vortex Timeline

1995
Splashpad® is introduced.
1996
First order for 5 Splash pads in Springfield, Massachusetts.
2000
Vortex opens its first dedicated facility in Montreal.
2004
Vortex builds a new, larger facility in Pointe-Claire (Montreal).
2010
Vortex launches Vortex USA.
2014
Vortex expands the Pointe-Claire facility.
2016
Vortex purchases Aquablue to expand its waterslide operations.
2017
Vortex is certified ISO 9001-2015 and EN 1090.
2019
Vortex opens new state-of-the-art facility in Pointe-Claire with over 220,000 sq.ft.

 

“Every one of our products combines science, education, abstract design, and a bit of magic to create meaningful experiences. Water makes playscapes extra special for families. It promotes free thinking and unstructured games. The experience of playing in water isn’t like tossing a ball around or shaping a sandcastle—we don’t move water; water moves us.”

– Stephen Hamelin, President & CEO

FAQ - About us

Splashpads create a positive impact on families and communities in many ways. Play is crucial for healthy childhood development. We design each Splashpad® so that every aquatic element contributes to some facet of that development. And because they are zero-depth, Splashpads allow children of all ages and abilities to get in on the fun. Our water management systems and sequencing respect environmental concerns.
Vortex originally designed the first Splashpad® for the benefit of municipal customers. We now work with aquatic centers, hotels, resorts, campgrounds, waterparks, amusement parks, and even venues such as museums, retail centers, and aquariums! Here are some examples.
Vortex was founded in 1995 when it pioneered the Splashpad®. Learn more about our expertise.
Yes, Vortex was founded by Stephen Hamelin in 1995. It continues to be privately-owned today.
Vortex is headquartered in Pointe-Claire, Quebec, Canada. We have a dedicated team of sales executives throughout Canada, the US, and Spain. And we work with a global network of channel partners. Find your local Vortex expert here.
Vortex is pleased to collaborate with local cities, municipalities, landscape architects or aquatic designers to create a unique aquatic project. We do not charge for consultations. Please consult our directory to find your local Vortex expert.
Vortex is proud to have created over 9,000 custom installations spanning 50 countries and 5 continents. Discover our projects.
With over 9,000 installations in 50 countries, there’s lots to choose from! You can find a selection of stories about municipal and commercial projects – from across the globe - here. 

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