While I would not call this a 5 star pool, it is my favorite on the strip. YOU CAN FIND SHADE! It's really quite lovely with the falls and the lagoon-like atmosphere and there are nooks and crannies everywhere with lots of seating that doesn't feel shoved in. BUT! it's crowded, as they all are - you are in Vegas, after all. If you are willing to spend the money, there is a more private area, but the price is high for just having a place to sit and a nicer towel and it does not decrease as the day goes on so it's worth getting there first thing.
There are, of course, waitresses wandering around and bars you can go to by yourself. They kick towels off the chairs after about an hour of them remaining absent, but that's not a perfect system. Can't hurt to ask someone if a chair is free. That being said, if you are leaving, do us all a favor and just take your towel with you and dispose of it in the dirty towels bin at the entrance/exit; it's no extra work for you.
SO YOU KNOW! The Mirage and all other MGM Grand hotels now CHARGE FOR PARKING (this is absolute BS) so don't drive here. This is true even you are staying at the hotel - even more BS.