They used to be open to the public at no charge. They now charge $20 for guys, girls and hotel guests are free. The cover does get you into all areas, including the adults-only pool.
Today was not the busiest we've seen it, having visited regularly over the last couple of seasons. However, it was impossible to get a server. I eventually ended up going to the bar to get my own drinks--yes, the biggest problem I got going on in life is standing up and walking to the bar...tragic. The bartender is great...older guy with some kind of accent--I recognized him from last year, and definitely glad they still have him on staff. The rest of the crew was not as good. And again, for a slow day, it should have been better. The server for our area never came around except to leave a bucket full of trash on my chair while I was in the pool, even though my bag was on the chair, so it was clearly occupied. Gross.