That is so annoying! We recently saw it’s not limited to SAB either. We stayed at WL & Dolphin for a few nights Easter weekend. When we went to the pool at WL, we couldn’t find any chairs. We finally found 2 sit up type chairs along the fence, behind an umbrella table. There were 5 chairs at that table, a dad sitting there with his family’s stuff all around. As we approached the 2 unoccupied chairs, my DH noticed a pair of men’s
crocs near 1, nothing else there so I assumed someone just forgot them. We we started to put our stuff down & get ready to go in the pool, that dad got up in a huff. Came over & grabbed the shoes. DH said sorry, we didn’t know you were here, the dad said, you can sit there with a bit of an attitude. We went in the pool, came out about 20 minutes later. Dad’s family had returned & were eating lunch, it was mom & 3 small kids, one of them in a stroller. Only 4 of the 5 chairs they had at the table were occupied but apparently dad wanted 2 more chairs as well. We dried up for about 10 minutes & left. I’d bet money dad threw their stuff on the extra chairs as soon as we didn’t.
At Dolphin, we walked past the 2 pools on our way to mini golf & back. We were considering coming to pool but same thing, couldn’t see any chair that didn’t have towels, belongings or a reserved sign, so we just skipped it.
Maybe the hotels ought to let you start reserving chairs. At least you wouldn’t have to wonder if you’ll be able to sit down at all.