Wet Republic steps up the competition by turning pool into a daytime nightclub

Cocktail waitresses and sunscreen; guys and girls sunning themselves poolside; celebrity appearances; and well-stocked cabanas with video games.

It can only mean one thing: war. With nightlife.

Wet Republic, the ultra pool at MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South, kicked off its season in March with an ad campaign declaring war against nightlife. Even though the challenge comes this year, that war actually began in 2008, when the pool opened. Such venues have quickly become the daytime equivalent of a nightclub, offering guests cocktails, DJs, live music and a place to meet, hang out and dance.

And Wet Republic continues to build on the previous years' successes, perfecting the offerings to best meet customers' needs, says Steve Zanella, MGM Grand's senior vice president of marketing.

Tourists have even started planning their vacations around pool season in Las Vegas, he adds.

"It's grown very quickly, that's been the great thing. It's exciting and fun. As Vegas evolves, so does" Wet Republic, Zanella says. "The pool scene has really become the dominant factor in the summer now."

This season, guests can expect more celebrity appearances, celebrity guest DJs, musical acts and additional events. The pool has added more daybeds and banquettes and some private seating in front of the DJ booth, Zanella says.

On April 30, Wet Republic is bringing back the Hot 100, a Friday afternoon competition in which female guests compete for cash prizes. April 18 marks the launch of Daylife Sundays, with resident DJ Robbie Rivera spinning music.

The pool will be open daily, from 11 a.m. until the party ends around 6 p.m. DJs will provide live music. The cover charge varies depending on the event, but generally will be $40 for men and $20 for women. Locals will sometimes be offered discounts, Zanella says.

For cabana or daybed reservations, call (877) 880-0880.

Contact reporter Sonya Padgett at spadgett@ reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4564.