Recently purchased a home that had an above ground swimming pool off of the back deck. In an attempt to reclaim our precious ground space, we have removed the pool to find a deep circle of sand. There was a rock border, and it appears as if they dug a deep hole the area of the pool and backfilled with sand. Having this sand in the backyard is proving a nightmare to our old wood floors (you can't help but track it in) and we would like to correct it to gain some area for a vegetable garden.

So whats the best way to do this? How deep should we dig? What should we backfill with? How do you smooth the top and pack in the dirt? Is this something we could do by hand and forgo renting equipment? We are clear to dig as deep as need be as there is no septic or other utility in the area. Is there anything to be mindful of? How would you tackle this project? Any input is greatly appreciated!!!