How We Use Cookies and How to Control Them
Last Updated: May 8, 2026
Quick Summary
What are cookies? Small files stored on your device that remember your preferences and activity on our website.
Why do we use them? To improve your experience, track page performance, and understand how visitors use our site.
Can you disable them? Yes. You can manage cookies in your browser settings or opt out of tracking in our privacy preferences.
Do we sell your data? No. We use cookies for internal analytics only. Learn more in our Privacy Policy.
Table of Contents
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files created by your web browser and stored on your device. When you visit AboveGroundPoolHeater.com, our servers and advertising partners create cookies that help remember your information, preferences, and activity.
Cookies typically contain:
- Your session ID (how long you’ve been on the site)
- Your language preference
- Products you’ve viewed or clicked
- Articles you’ve read
- Approximate geographic location (city/region level)
Cookies do NOT contain passwords, email addresses, or payment information.
2. Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies (Required)
These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly. They cannot be disabled.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| wordpress_logged_in | Keeps you logged into your account (if you have one) | 14 days |
| wordpress_sec | Security cookie for logged-in sessions | 14 days |
| cookiepolicy_accepted | Remembers if you’ve accepted our cookie policy | 1 year |
| PHPSESSID | Maintains your session on the server | Session only |
Analytics Cookies (Optional)
These cookies help us understand how visitors use our site. You can opt out in your privacy preferences.
| Service | Purpose | Data Collected |
|---|---|---|
| Google Analytics 4 | Track page views, user behavior, bounce rate | Session duration, pages visited, traffic source |
| Hotjar | Heatmaps showing where users click (optional) | Mouse movements, scroll depth, click locations |
| Facebook Pixel | Track conversions and audience insights | Page visits, product views, click events |
| Google Ads (AdSense) | Display relevant ads and measure performance | Ad impressions, clicks, conversion events |
Affiliate & Marketing Cookies (Optional)
These cookies track affiliate links and help us earn commissions. They’re used only when you click product links.
| Service | Purpose | Info Tracked |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Associates | Track product clicks and conversions for commissions | Product clicked, purchase amount (if made) |
| Amazon Marketing Cloud | Audience segmentation for Amazon ads | Browsing behavior, product interests |
Preference Cookies (Optional)
These cookies remember your preferences on our site.
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| language_preference | Remembers your language choice | 1 year |
| theme_mode | Remembers if you prefer dark/light mode | 1 year |
| notification_preference | Remembers your notification settings | 1 year |
3. Third-Party Services That Use Cookies
The following companies are allowed to place cookies on your device when you visit our website:
Google (Analytics, Ads, Fonts)
Tracks page views, user behavior, and displays ads. Uses cookies to understand your interests.
Google Privacy Policy | Opt Out
Amazon (Associates, AWS, Ads)
Tracks affiliate link clicks and product conversions. Displays targeted advertising.
Facebook (Meta)
Facebook Pixel tracks page visits and conversions for advertising and audience segmentation.
Facebook Cookie Policy | Ad Preferences
Hotjar
Creates heatmaps and session recordings to help us understand user behavior (optional feature).
WordPress.com & Jetpack
Powers our website platform and provides security features.
4. How to Manage or Disable Cookies
Method 1: Browser Settings (Easiest)
Most browsers allow you to control cookies directly. Here’s how:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data → See all cookies and site data
- Firefox: Preferences → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Edge: Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Clear browsing data → Cookies and other site data
Note: Disabling cookies may break some website features.
Method 2: Our Privacy Preferences Tool
Use our built-in cookie consent tool to accept/reject specific cookie categories. You can usually access this in the website footer or by visiting our Privacy Policy.
Method 3: Opt Out of Specific Services
Google Analytics: Install the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-on
Facebook Ads: Visit Facebook Ad Preferences and opt out
Amazon Ads: Visit Amazon Advertising Preferences
Method 4: Do Not Track (DNT)
If you enable “Do Not Track” in your browser, some sites (including ours) will respect that preference. However, not all advertisers honor DNT requests.
5. GDPR, CCPA, and Other Privacy Laws
We comply with major privacy regulations:
GDPR (European Union)
If you’re in the EU, you have the right to:
- Know what data we collect
- Request a copy of your data
- Delete your data (right to be forgotten)
- Opt out of marketing
- Withdraw consent at any time
For GDPR requests, email us at contact with “GDPR Request” in the subject line.
CCPA (California)
California residents have the right to:
- Know what data we collect
- Delete personal information
- Opt out of data sales (we don’t sell data)
- Non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights
Other US States
We comply with privacy laws in Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah, and other states that have enacted privacy regulations.
6. Amazon Affiliate Links and Cookies
Many product links on this website are Amazon Associates affiliate links. When you click a product link and make a purchase, Amazon places a cookie on your device to track the conversion and we receive a commission.
How it works:
- You click a product link on our site
- Amazon associates cookie is placed on your device (up to 24 hours)
- You purchase the product on Amazon
- We earn a commission (you pay the same price)
For more details, see our Affiliate Disclosure page. This cookie does NOT track your activity across other websites—only on Amazon.
7. Security & Data Protection
We take data security seriously:
- All data transmitted to our servers is encrypted (HTTPS/SSL)
- Cookies cannot contain sensitive data like passwords or payment info
- We use secure, industry-standard cookie libraries
- We don’t sell your cookie data to third parties
- Third-party services (Google, Amazon, Facebook) follow their own security standards
For complete information, see our Privacy Policy.
8. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this policy as technology and regulations change. We’ll post updates here and update the “Last Updated” date at the top. Your continued use of the website indicates acceptance of any changes.
For significant changes, we may notify you via email or website banner.
9. Questions About Cookies?
Have questions about our cookie use?
Contact us using our contact form with “Cookie Policy Question” in the subject line.
Response time: We respond to all inquiries within 2 business days.
Related Privacy & Legal Pages
- Terms & Conditions – Website usage rules and legal terms
- Disclaimer – Safety disclaimers and liability limitations
- Editorial Policy – Our standards for accuracy and independence
- Testing Methodology – How we evaluate and test pool heaters
Cookie Policy – AboveGroundPoolHeater.com