The game consists of a large piece of indoor-outdoor carpet, which serves as the playing surface, and the equivalent of a set of croquet balls and mallets, plus a perimeter rail system that acts like the bumpers and pockets of a pool table. Players actually walk upon the 6' x 12' surface. Rules can be the same as billiards, 8-ball or other pocket pool games.
Though conventional croquet balls work, bocce-type balls are better. Unfortunately, those are much more expensive. And a special mallet with more of a double taper does better as a cue stick because it's more precisely controllable than the pure cylinder of a croquet mallet. Rubber mallet tips are essential for putting "English" on the cue ball too.
Patio Pool would be ideal for family-oriented resorts, country clubs, summer camps and other recreational facilities .. indoors or out.
The perimeter railings could be readily made of recycled plastic materials, similar to what is used for park benches, parking lot bumpers and the like. Three discrete shapes are used, straights for sidewalls, corner pockets and side pockets. All interlock with dove-tail like fits, making it easy to ship, store or move the complete game.
Patio Pool is a game whose time is NOW.