A quick heads-up: I booked our Universal trip for January through Southwest Vacations, and they sent me this email yesterday:
This is a courtesy email regarding your upcoming stay at Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort. This hotel has recently notified us that heir swimming pool will be temporarily closed for enhancements starting on January 7, 2019 through Early February 2019. Please note renovation dates are subject to change at any time without prior notification. During the pool closure period, guests will have access the alternate pool at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando, which is connected to Loews Royal Pacific through a convenient resort walkway. In addition, guests have access to the unique pools at all other Universal Orlando™ hotels.
Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort is committed to providing guests with the best possible vacation experience and minimal impact during their stay. Therefore, compensation or relocation is not being offered.
Southwest Vacations
Since we're traveling with a pool-oriented family that doesn't want to pool-hop, I called Southwest and switched our 4-day reservation to the Hard Rock. (Which, for some reason, ended up being cheaper.) Anyway, just wanted anyone traveling in January to know about the pool issue!