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Cookie Policy
Last updated: 19 April 2026
1. Cookie Settings
1.1 When you first visit AquaLots we only set cookies that are strictly necessary for the Site to operate. We will ask for your consent before setting any optional cookies such as analytics cookies. You can manage your preferences at any time using the cookie settings link in the footer.
1.2 Certain cookies are essential for AquaLots to work. These include cookies that keep you signed in as you navigate between pages and protect your account against cross-site request forgery attacks. These cookies are set regardless of your preferences.
1.3 Where you consent to optional cookies you are also consenting to the relevant third parties that set those cookies processing your information in the ways described in this policy and our Privacy Policy.
1.4 You can withdraw your consent to optional cookies at any time via your cookie settings. We also honor the Global Privacy Control (GPC) browser signal as a valid opt-out from residents of states whose privacy laws recognize universal opt-out mechanisms.
1.5 Please see Section 5 below for further detail on how to control and delete cookies.
2. What Are Cookies
2.1 A cookie is a small data file placed on your browser or device that allows a website to recognize you when you return — either for the duration of your visit (a “session cookie”) or for repeat visits (a “persistent cookie”). We use the word “cookie” throughout this policy to refer to all technologies that collect information in this way, including pixels, beacons, and locally stored objects.
2.2 Cookies can be “first party” (set by us directly) or “third party” (placed on your device by another company when you use our Site). Third party cookies may be set by companies providing services to us, such as analytics or payment processing.
3. Purposes We Use Cookies For
We use cookies for the following purposes:
Strictly Necessary
These cookies are essential for AquaLots to function. They keep you signed in, protect your account from CSRF attacks, and remember your cookie preferences. You cannot opt out of these cookies.
Functional
These cookies remember choices you make — such as your preferences and settings — and power core marketplace features like listing view and impression counts for seller dashboards.
Analytics & Session Recording
These cookies help us understand how visitors use AquaLots so we can improve the experience. Google Analytics 4 allows us to count visits, understand which pages are most popular, and see how users navigate the Site. Microsoft Clarity records anonymized session replays and heatmaps to help us identify usability issues. This data does not personally identify you.
4. How We Use Your Information
Strictly necessary cookies. We use strictly necessary cookies to provide and secure the services you request on AquaLots. These cookies are set without consent because the Site cannot function without them.
Functional cookies. We use functional cookies to remember your choices and to power core marketplace features. Functional cookies do not identify you personally and are not used for advertising or cross-site tracking.
Optional cookies — with your consent. Where you have given consent (or where required by applicable US state privacy law), we may use your information for the following purposes:
- Analyzing how AquaLots is used in order to improve it;
- Evaluating and improving our features and services;
- Quality control, website performance, and system administration;
- Generating aggregated, anonymized reports on site usage.
We do not use cookies for targeted advertising. AquaLots does not participate in cross-context behavioral advertising as defined by the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) or similar state laws. See our Privacy Policy for a full description of your state privacy rights.
For purposes of applicable US state privacy laws, AquaLots is the business responsible for the personal information collected through cookies. Please see our Privacy Policy for full details on how we handle, retain, and protect your data and your rights.
5. How to Control and Delete Cookies
5.1 You can update your cookie preferences at any time using the cookie settings link in the footer of this Site.
5.2 Most web browsers are set to accept cookies by default. You can configure your browser to block or delete cookies. Instructions for the most common browsers:
5.3 Browser settings changes apply only to the browser on which you make them. If you use multiple browsers or devices you must adjust the settings on each.
5.4 Global Privacy Control (GPC). Many browsers support the Global Privacy Control signal, a universal opt-out recognized by California law (Cal. Civ. Code § 1798.135) and several other state privacy laws. AquaLots honors GPC signals from US visitors as a valid opt-out of the “sale” or “sharing” of personal information, including for analytics cookies that may qualify as “sharing” under the CCPA/CPRA. You can enable GPC in browsers such as Firefox, Brave, and DuckDuckGo.
5.5 To opt out of Google Analytics tracking across all websites visit tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout. To opt out of Microsoft Clarity session recording visit clarity.microsoft.com/optout.
5.6 For general information on cookies and online privacy, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Digital Advertising Alliance (aboutads.info) maintain helpful guidance for US consumers.
5.7 If you refuse or withdraw consent for optional cookies the corresponding features may not work fully. Disabling strictly necessary cookies may prevent core features of AquaLots — including sign-in — from functioning.
6. Cookies Used on AquaLots
The table below lists all cookies currently set on aqualots.com and explains what each one does.
Strictly Necessary
| Provider | Cookie name | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| AquaLots | next-auth.session-token | 30 days | Keeps you signed in to your AquaLots account as you navigate between pages. Without this cookie you would be logged out on every page load. |
| AquaLots | next-auth.csrf-token | Session | Protects your account against cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attacks. This is a security-critical cookie. |
| AquaLots | next-auth.callback-url | Session | Remembers where to redirect you after signing in via Google OAuth. |
| AquaLots | al_cookie_consent | 1 year | Stores your cookie consent preferences so we do not show you the cookie banner on every visit. |
| AquaLots | country_preference | 1 year | Remembers whether you are browsing the UK or US version of AquaLots so you land on the correct regional site on return visits. |
Functional
| Provider | Cookie name | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| AquaLots | al_sid | 1 year | Anonymous random identifier used to power core marketplace features — for example, recording how many times a listing has been viewed, avoiding counting the same visit twice, and showing sellers accurate performance stats for their listings. The value is a random ID with no link to your identity, is never shared with third parties, and is not used for advertising. |
Analytics
| Provider | Cookie name | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Analytics | _ga | 2 years | Registers a unique ID used to generate statistical data on how you use AquaLots. Used to count visitors and understand page popularity. Data is aggregated and anonymized. |
| Google Analytics | _ga_* | 2 years | Used by Google Analytics 4 to persist session state and distinguish unique user sessions. |
| Google Tag Manager | _gtm_* | Session | Used by Google Tag Manager to manage and deploy analytics tags on our Site. GTM itself does not collect personal data. |
| Microsoft Clarity | _clck | 1 year | Persists a unique user ID so that Clarity can link activity across visits to the same browser. Used for heatmaps and session replay. |
| Microsoft Clarity | _clsk | 1 day | Connects multiple page views within a single session so Clarity can record a complete session replay. |
| Microsoft Clarity | CLID | 1 year | Identifies a first-time user and ties Clarity data back to other Microsoft products where applicable. |
We will update this table whenever we add or remove cookies. Check the “Last updated” date at the top of this page for the most recent version.
7. Changes
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Last updated” date. Where changes are material we will notify you by email or via a notice on the Site. Continued use of AquaLots after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
8. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, please contact us.