Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how McCloud Aquatics (“McCloud,” “we,” “our,” “us”) uses cookies and similar technologies on our websitehttps://mccloudaquatics.com (“Site”).

It describes:

• What cookies are
• Types of cookies McCloud uses
• How TrustArc manages cookie consent
• How users can manage or withdraw consent
• How cookies relate to personal information and privacy laws

This Policy should be read together with our Privacy Policy.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. Cookies help websites:

• Function properly
• Enhance user experience
• Improve security
• Analyze performance
• Store preferences

Cookies may be:

• First-party (set by McCloud)
• Third-party (set by analytics or embedded services)
• Session cookies (deleted when the browser closes)
• Persistent cookies (remain for longer periods)

Some cookies collect information considered “personal data” under GDPR and U.S. privacy laws.

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies (No Consent Required)

These are essential for the Site to function and include:

• Security and firewall cookies
• Server load balancing
• Session management
• Cookie preference storage (TrustArc cookies)
• Navigation and core functionality

Without these cookies, parts of the Site may not work correctly.

3.2 Analytics & Performance Cookies (Consent Required)

Used to understand how visitors interact with the Site, such as:

• Which pages are visited
• How long users stay on the Site
• Which browsers or devices are used
• Traffic patterns and navigation paths
• Performance metrics and error diagnostics

Examples include:

• Google Analytics
• Third-party performance tools

Analytics cookies remain disabled by default for EU/UK visitors unless consent is granted via TrustArc.

3.3 Functional Cookies (Consent Required if Non-Essential)

These support enhanced website features, such as:

• Saved preferences
• Improved navigation
• Remembering user input between pages

Some functional cookies may be strictly necessary depending on how the Site is used.

3.4 Marketing Cookies (Not Currently Used)

McCloud does not use:

• Marketing tracking pixels
• Retargeting cookies
• Social media tracking cookies
• Behavioral profiling tools

If these ever become relevant:

• They would be disabled by default
• TrustArc would display a marketing category
• No marketing cookies would activate without explicit opt-in

4. TrustArc Cookie Consent Management

McCloud uses TrustArc as our cookie consent and compliance tool.

4.1 Consent Banner

On your first visit, TrustArc displays a banner allowing you to:

• Accept all cookies
• Reject non-essential cookies
• Customize cookie preferences

4.2 Consent-Based Blocking

For visitors from regions requiring opt-in consent (e.g., EU/UK):

• All non-essential cookies remain blocked until consent is granted
• Only strictly necessary cookies load automatically

4.3 Updating or Withdrawing Consent

You may change your preferences at any time by:

• Clicking “Cookie Preferences” in the Site footer
• Clearing your browser cookies to reset the TrustArc banner
• Selecting new consent options

4.4 Consent Logging

TrustArc securely logs:

• Consent status
• Timestamp
• Region (when applicable)
• Applicable privacy requirements

4.5 Responding to Browser Signals

Where required by law, TrustArc honors:

• Global Privacy Control (GPC)
• Do Not Track (DNT) signals

5. Cookies McCloud Aquatics May Use

Strictly Necessary Cookies

TypePurpose Session Cookies Enable secure browsing and essential page functions Security Cookies Help protect the Site from malicious activity TrustArc Cookies Store and enforce user cookie preferences Form Cookies Facilitate contact forms and service requests

Analytics Cookies (Consent Required)

ProviderPurpose Google Analytics Tracks general behavior to improve Site performance and content Performance Tools Diagnose loading issues and improve reliability

Functional Cookies

ExamplePurpose Preference Cookies Save user-selected settings Embedded Content Cookies Enable map embeds, videos, or other external modules

6. How to Control Cookies

6.1 Manage Through TrustArc

Click “Cookie Preferences” (located in the website footer) to:

• Accept all cookies
• Reject all non-essential cookies
• Adjust categories individually
• Withdraw consent

6.2 Browser Controls

Most browsers allow users to:

• Block cookies
• Delete existing cookies
• Limit third-party tracking
• Enable privacy/incognito modes

Note: Blocking cookies may limit website performance or functionality.

6.3 Device-Level Controls

Mobile devices may include additional privacy or tracking settings.

7. Cookies and Personal Information

Cookies may collect:

• IP address
• Browser and device type
• Usage behavior
• Approximate location (city-level)
• Click path and time spent

This information is processed according to our Privacy Policy and relevant laws.

McCloud does not use cookies to collect:

• Sensitive personal information
• Payment details
• Government identifiers

8. Children’s Privacy

McCloud does not knowingly use cookies to track children under the age of 16.

If you believe we collected information from a minor, please contact us for removal.

9. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect:

• Changes in legal requirements
• Changes in cookie usage
• Updates in TrustArc functionality
• Website enhancements

Changes will be indicated via updated Effective Date.

10. Contact Information

For questions or concerns regarding this Cookie Policy or your privacy rights, contact:

McCloud Aquatics
705 E North St.
Elburn, IL 60119
Email: info@mccloudaquatics.com
Phone: (847) 891-6260
Website: https://mccloudaquatics.com