Founded in 2003, Seychelles Pools and Spas was born from a simple but ambitious idea: raise the standard.
After five years working at a major big-box pool retailer, owner Helmut Heckersbruch saw an opportunity to do things differently. He wanted to create a business built on quality products, fair pricing and service that didn’t end at the sale. More than two decades later, that philosophy continues to define the company.
A veteran of the industry, Heckersbruch held both CPO Instructor and CBP certifications and has spent his career committed to professional growth. Trade shows, seminars and manufacturer trainings have been a constant, reinforcing his belief that expertise is not optional in a seasonal, highly technical business.
Operating in Quebec’s competitive and climate-driven market, Seychelles has positioned itself as both a knowledgeable retailer and a strategic partner to manufacturers. The company holds Totally Hayward Dealer status, is a certified Latham Pool builder for both fiberglass and liner pools, and works with Carvin and Trendium to sell and install aboveground pools. They also serve as a direct dealer for Vita Spas (Maax), Master Spas and Innovo Spas and partner with Speck Pumps to offer customers the Badu SwimJet System. By maintaining strong supplier relationships, Seychelles is able to tailor product offerings to the realities of a shorter swim season while keeping performance and efficiency top of mind.
That same independent mindset extends beyond its own storefront. Seychelles is a part-owner of the Groupe Récré Eau buying group, an alliance designed to help smaller retailers compete against larger chains. The collaborative model allows members to leverage shared purchasing power and resources while maintaining local ownership and identity.
Staff works from a compact retail footprint, and the space reflects their operational philosophy: efficient, clear and purposeful. Every square foot is designed to serve customers, with a service counter, water testing lab and fully stocked shelves arranged for function rather than flair. “Our store isn’t about fluff. It’s about high-density clarity.”
Behind the counter, a year-round trained team prepares for Quebec’s intense summer rush. General Manager Annie-France Chavy brings more than 20 years of industry expertise and places particular emphasis on assisting vulnerable clients. Seychelles also offers discounts and special service programs for elderly and disabled customers — a reflection of its commitment to accessibility.
Customer Experience Manager Emma Desroches is helping push the company forward digitally. Currently under development is AquaZorro, a proprietary in-house service application that tracks and stores data from weekly service visits. The custom-built tool will provide clients with post-visit summaries, photo documentation and improved communication — all hosted internally and developed specifically for Seychelles’ workflow.
Efficiency drives the company’s broader digital strategy as well. Customers can book and pay online within seconds, and service reports are delivered directly to their inboxes, creating transparency and accountability.
That focus on experience has translated into measurable results. Seychelles maintains a 4.9/5 Google rating, and its word-of-mouth reputation remains its strongest marketing asset. “Word-of-mouth marketing is the holy grail. It cannot be bought — it must be earned.”
Industry recognition has followed. Heckersbruch received the Pleatco Pool Pro Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021, and Cristina Forcione earned a Pentair Pool Pro Award in 2023. Seychelles has also been named a Consumer Choice Award winner in the swimming pool category for several consecutive years.
Beyond business, the company maintains a strong commitment to community involvement. In the past, Seychelles actively supported organizations including Sun Youth and the Dr. Julien Foundation, providing meaningful contributions that helped further their respective missions. This year, focus has shifted toward supporting La Bohème, a choir deeply rooted in the local community. Also, in collaboration with Groupe Récré Eau and supplier partners, the team helped build an inground pool and spa for the Véro & Louis Foundation, which provides specialized housing for autistic adults aged 21 and over. The project reflects Seychelles’ belief that pools can serve not only recreation, but therapeutic and social innovation purposes.
Moving forward, Seychelles plans to continue expanding its service division and is considering opening a second retail location. At the same time, the company is preparing for evolving industry regulations and environmental challenges by prioritizing energy-efficient products and sustainable practices.
In a market shaped by seasonality, regulation and competition, Seychelles Pools and Spas has built its reputation on consistency — a “Seychelles Standard” defined by expertise, efficiency and community-minded service.
This article first appeared in the April 2026 issue of AQUA Magazine — the top resource for retailers, builders and service pros in the pool and spa industry. Subscriptions to the print magazine are free to all industry professionals. Click here to subscribe.
