It's been ages since I've done this, but back in the Stone Age, we used the Fairy Godmothers babysitting service. We just had her stay in the room with our kids, but they would be willing to take the kids to dinner or even into the parks. Obviously, you'd have to pay for their admission in addition to their time. Not sure they still do this. I would think, if pool time was of particular interest, they would see if they could get you someone who was more trained in lifesaving just as a precaution. I would think, with your kids' ages, that would be less of a big deal, but you might like the extra level of safety. Not all hotels have lifeguards at all hours. I think the pool would be a great way to keep them entertained, not to mention tire them out!