Amy,
If you wan't to be close to the pool, ask for a room that are close to the elevators. The elevators bring you straight out to the pool on the first floor.
I would also recommend you ask for a room up on a higher floor maybe 5 or 6. If the room is on a lower floor, there will be a chance the view will be obstructed by palm trees. We have stayed in lower rooms and had a partial view of the pool.
FYI we have also stayed on the 6th floor (room no 6042- one king bed, non-smoking). The room was right under the Hard Rock Hotel sign and had a magnificent view of the pool, IOA and some parts of City Walk and USF. We could also see Sea World in the distance.
Staying on the 6th floor isn't a problem because you never have to wait for an elevator ( there are 6 of them).
Hope this helps
Paul