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Our company: More FAQs

Over the 25+ years of our history, Vortex has become the leader in Splashpad® design and manufacturing around the globe. But you may have more questions about who we are and how we do business. Below you’ll find some of the most common questions we get. If you don’t see your question here, please find your local Vortex specialist here.

About the company

Stephen Hamelin is the founder, owner, and current CEO of Vortex Aquatic Structures.

Yes, Vortex was founded by Stephen Hamelin in 1995. It continues to be privately-owned today.

Vortex was founded in 1995 when it pioneered the Splashpad®. Learn more about our expertise.

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 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.

In the municipal space we work with parks & recreation departments and local city councils. On the commercial side, we work with waterparks, hotels & resorts, campgrounds, amusement centers, and cruise ships.

Vortex has developed its own version of the ESG pillars: Environmental (water & energy conservation, carbon footprint reduction), Social (culture of opportunity, active in communities) and Governance (Vortex values are fun, integrity, trust, innovation, and collaboration).

Our creative studio consists of product designers, industrial engineers, and technicians working together to develop exclusive technologies and award-winning products. Learn more.

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.

Vortex’s corporate head office and manufacturing is located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. We have offices in Delaware (USA) and Valencia (Spain). And we have dedicated sales executives and expert channel partners through the US, Canada, Europe and the Middle East. Find your local representative here.

Vortex can assist you from start to finish, including project design, project engineering, world-class manufacturing in our vertically integrated facility, and then installation and support. Learn more.

Vortex pioneered the first Splashpad over 25 years ago and continues to innovate with unique designs and sustainable water management solutions. Our colorful open-ended designs invite children to fill in the blanks and create playful environments from their own imaginations. Discover our Play philosophy here.

Vortex pioneered the first Splashpad over 25 years ago and continues to innovate with unique designs and sustainable water management solutions. Our colorful open-ended designs invite children to fill in the blanks and create playful environments from their own imaginations. Discover our Play philosophy here.

Vortex pioneered the first Splash pad over 25 years ago for a municipal park, and this continues to be one of our focal points. However, we have innovated with new products like Elevations, PlayNuk, CoolHub, Playable Fountains, and Dream Tunnel, and our customers include a wide range of municipal and commercial facilities. Learn more.

Vortex offers over 250 interactive water play features for a Splash pad, including the water management systems. We have innovated with new products such as Water Journey, Elevations, and PlayNuk. Our latest technologies include Playable Fountains, Dream Tunnel, and CoolHub. Learn more.

We encourage you to follow Vortex on our various social media platforms: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram.

The Vortex difference

As the world leader in aquatic play, Vortex pioneered the first Splashpad® over 25 years ago. We continue to innovate with unique designs and sustainable water management solutions. Learn more about our expertise.

Vortex products are all about colorful, open-ended designs and imaginative water choreography. We design products for children and families of all ages and abilities. Discover our products here.

Vortex water features are made of stainless steel and finished with power-coated paint to withstand the elements over the long term.

A selection of our most recent project stories is available here.

A gallery of recent projects is available here.

Vortex offers more than 250 interactive features and 11 signature Splashpad collections, in addition to waterslides, Elevations, PlayNuk, CoolHub, Playable Fountains, and Dream Tunnel. Learn more.

Vortex splash pads are designed for children of all ages and abilities and promote intergenerational play. We can create toddler zones for the little ones right up to bigger splash events for teens. Learn more.

Smart water play design puts a strong emphasis on social development. Social play is vital to children’s sense of self, language, and emotional development. Learn more.

Vortex water features are made of stainless steel and finished with power-coated paint to withstand the elements over the long term.

Vortex’s colorful, open-ended designs invite children to fill in the blanks and create playful environments from their own imaginations. And every Vortex solution is bolstered by smart technology that enhances play experiences. Learn more about our expertise.

As the world leader in aquatic play, Vortex pioneered the first Splashpad® over 25 years ago. We continue to innovate with unique designs and sustainable water management solutions. Learn more about our expertise.

Yes. Vortex project consultants take the time to understand your needs and objectives, as well as your project’s scope and budget. Then we design a Splash pad that is unique to you. Learn more.

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.

Planning your own Vortex Splashpad project

Depending on your geographic location, you will work with a Vortex sales executive or local channel partner. They will meet with you to discuss your community or commercial needs, and work towards the creation of a splash pad that is right for you. Find your nearest Vortex representative here.

If you would like to get started on a new Splashpad for your community or attraction, please contact the Vortex sales executive or channel partner in your region. Consult the list.

Vortex splash pads are designed and built to your community’s specific needs. We therefore do not offer a trial installation.

While we do recommend that you work with a Vortex representative to assist you with your selection, you can find inspiration from our catalog, which can be downloaded 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 works with cities and towns around the globe. Here are some recent municipal projects.

Vortex splash pads and aquatic structures are designed for children of all ages and abilities and promote intergenerational play. We can create toddler zones for the little ones right up to bigger splash events for teens. Learn more.

Splashpads come in all shapes and sizes; each one is customized for your community’s specific needs. Learn more about how Vortex determines the ideal capacity of a Splash pad here.

Vortex begins every project by getting to know the families you will be servicing and then thinks creatively about how we can help them grow. Learn more.

Vortex manufacturers and ships aquatic play products around the world. Once details of your Splash pad have been confirmed, your project coordinator will work with you to set the timelines of your delivery.

You can learn more about our waterslide offering by visiting this page. You may also consult your local Vortex sales executive or channel partner.

Every Splash pad, Elevations, PlayNuk, and waterslide is made specifically to meet the needs of your facility.

Vortex will manufacture and ship your aquatic play products to your site. Local certified experts will then be responsible for the installation.

Our certified installers will work with your team to ensure they have all the tools they need to successfully open and close your Splash pad each season and perform regular maintenance.

You will work with a dedicated project consultant who will set milestones and timelines to ensure your splash pad equipment is delivered on time. They will be your main point of contact throughout the process.

Budgeting

Once your new Splash pad is installed, Vortex will train your team on opening, closing, and maintenance. You may also choose a maintenance contract with the local installer.

Vortex does not offering financing. However, your community can investigate a variety of funding opportunities including grants and fundraising. You may be eligible to work with a co-operative purchasing program for the most competitive pricing.

The cost of an aquatic play area can vary significantly, depending on size, complexity, type of equipment, and the location. Learn more about factors that impact budget here.

The cost of an aquatic play area can vary significantly, depending on size, complexity, type of equipment, and the location. Learn more about factors that impact budget here.

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