A lawn where there was once a pool?

Question

I have a giant hole in my lawn where there was an above-ground pool. Under the pool was about 6 inches of levelling sand, and around it gravel. The sand is about 4-6 inches below grade of the rest of the yard and the gravel is at or near grade.

Here is the plan, looking for advice and feedback:

Remove the gravel

Till about an inch of compost in with the sand

Get topsoil to bring the whole area up to grade

Roll out sod

Assuming I care for the sod properly, will this get me a long term nice lawn? Is there anything I'm missing? (Should I compact the soil before sodding? Use more/less compost? Remove all the sand?) Any advice, tricks of the trade you care to impart?

Thanks in advance

Answer 1

Sounds perfect to me:) I have the same problem facing me, right now there are branches piled in the center of mine.

I think Ginny has it right, need to remove at least a couple of inches of the sand. I don't think ours is that thick.

Answer 2

I think it would be best if you remove the sand, or at least some of it.  I think that it will cause the area to drain water much faster than the rest of your yard and you may find it difficult to keep the grass from drying out quickly.  If you can't or dont want to remove the sand I would till in as much organic matter as you can to help hold moisture.  Do not compact the soil before sodding, the roots will grow into it better if it is not compacted.  But you also dont want it to leave it so soft that it settles so much that you end up with a dish, so use commom sense.  When laying sod be sure the perimeter edges are covered with some soil to prevent them from drying out.  Water, water, water until established.