Originally posted by The Mom
The difference between using the pool, and using the restaurant, etc. is that you PAY for your meal, drink, whatever, or are WILLING to purchase something in the store. A store operates under the assumption that not everyone who enters will buy something. A restaurant assumes that if you're sitting at a table, you (or someone in your party) will be purchasing food. Otherwise, you're taking up space that could be used by a paying customer. Even though someone at the pool MIGHT purchase a drink, etc at the pool bar, the price of that item doesn't compensate for the cost of pool maintenence...it pays for the bar/restaurant overhead. The room price reflects the cost of the amenities...lobby, grounds, etc, including the pool.
BTW, the last time I was at Atlantis, non-guests could purchase a day pass (bracelet) to use the facilities...much like spending the day at a water park. I don't know if they still sell them.