SIMA is primarily a community of entrepreneurs working in the field of pool and spa and they unite their resources while respecting the specific regional needs of independent owners. The success of SIMA group is largely due to the careful selection of products, competitive pricing, expertise and service to exceptional customer.
Piscines Aqua-Pro
A history of heart since 1992
Aqua-Pro started off in 1990 when François Lyons & Charles Ménard were working as sales representatives for the pool retailer Arra. François (from Masson) and Charles (from Gatineau) dreamed of starting their own business in order to offer the Outaouais people the best pool and spa products in the industry as well as offer an extra personalized service. After preparing their plans for two years, they made the last leap and created: Piscines Aqua-Pro.
1992
January 1999: Two young entrepreneurs with 5000$ in pocket. Here's how it all began.
Aqua-Pro began then at 867 St-René West, in a location no more than 1000 square feet. For many years, François and Charles had to separate the followings tasks between them: Sales Representative, cashier, water analysis technician, Warehouse Clerk, delivery boy, responsible for accounting and even pool installer occasionally. Hour upon hour of work! At the time, the weeks were long and the salary rather meagre. So with boundless hard work and thanks to great spouses they were able to keep eye on their objectives.
1995
Aqua-Pro expands and triples its size (3 000 square feet) by demolishing the wall separating them from the adjacent local.
1996
Aqua-Pro expands for the 2nd time and must rent an exterior warehouse of 1500 square feet.
1997
The new warehouse is still too small… Aqua-Pro expands for the 3rd time and must augment the size of its warehouse to 3500 square. To this day, Aqua-Pro occupies 6500 square feet, a 3000 square feet store and 3500 square feet of warehouse.
1998
Due to a surprising success, Aqua-Pro, an independent retailer, begins to make his mark and becomes subject of much discussion in large banners in business at this time. The Sima Group®, Swimming pool Independent Merchant Association, who was then searching for new members, returned to the charge (after an initial negotiation in 1995) and sollicitates Piscines Aqua-Pro for the 2nd time. The Sima Group was a wonderful opportunity because their concept benefits their members with the greatest purchasing power in Canada while allowing the flexibility and autonomy of an independent trade. This time was good and a new business partnership was born.
Since then, François Lyons, still Piscines Aqua-Pro’s owner, is not only one of the biggest member of the SIMA® Group, but is also a share owner and a director. The SIMA Group® is by far the best business concept in the pool spa industry. Both retailler and consumer ... everyone is benefiting ...
Piscines Aqua-Pro et Le Groupe SIMA®… a winning recipe!
2001
The desire and need for expansion for the 4th time!
Still a victim of its success, Aqua-Pro had no choice… They had to move, but where? Out of nowhere came the business opportunity they expected. 807 St-René Ouest, then owned by RH Electrique is for sale! 15000 square feet over 2 stories, this no less than a few meters from their current location. What a chance that was!
The year 2001 was also the year when CalSpas® manufacturer had concluded an exclusive agreement with Canadian distribution SIMA Group®. With hindsight and thousands of satisfied customers, we can now say that Calspas is definitely one of the best business partners in the history of Piscines Aqua-Pro.
2001 to the present day…
Since 2001, the word that best describes Aqua-Pro is growth. Over the years, many people were added to the company and many departments were created. Above ground pools, semi inground and inground pools and spa, Napoleon™ BBQs, energy efficient, ecological and organic products, Piscines Aqua-Pro is always looking at new technologies in order to facilitate and enhance the lives of people in the Outaouais.
Our goal… to provide quality report Quality - Service - Price.
Aqua-Pro is now much more than a pool retailer, it is your relaxation oasis by excellence. Like our thousands of satisfied customers, trust us and let us take care of your dreams.
More than 24 years of history… and it’s only a start
Be part of it as well
Enjoy life!