It's not just a fad. The extension of Las Vegas' vibrant nightclub/nightlife scene to the casino pools that has picked up steam over the past few years is already under way for summer 2009. The phenomenon — dubbed "Day Life" — is now one of the city's hottest entertainment elements.

The season officially begins on Memorial Day weekend, but several of the bigger venues have already opened, including the Hard Rock Beach Club, MGM Grand's Wet Republic, the Venetian's Tao Beach, Mandalay Bay's Moorea Pool, and the new Daydream Pool Club at M — all accessible to the public (though there's usually a fee to enter).

Among the 30 or so casino pools that offer some type of nightclub element, almost a dozen now allow topless sunbathing.

SUMMER SIRENS: Summer hours are in progress for the "Sirens of TI" pirate show at Treasure Island. Weather permitting, the shows run at 7, 8:30, 10, and 11:30 p.m. nightly. It's free to view.

ELTON DONE: After a run of more than 250 shows, Elton John has concluded his "Red Piano" show in the Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

TROPICANA ADDS SHOWS: The Tropicana has added two shows: "Soprano's Last Supper" and "Hypnosis Unleashed." Both have ticket prices below $60.

Q. I've noticed casino coffee shops being replaced with chains. What's the strategy?

A. The main conversions have been T.G.I. Friday's outlets showing up at Gold Coast, Orleans and Sam's Town, and Denny's restaurants replacing the cafes in the three Wildfire Casinos and the Wild Wild West. It's a business strategy designed to reduce overhead in lean times, but it's also turning up some good deals for customers.

For information about Las Vegas shows, buffets, coupons and deals, see www.LasVegasAdvisor.com.