I have a 24' diameter 2~4" deep sand-covered circle in the ground (aka former site of above-ground pool) that I want to convert to an outdoor brick/stone patio. The sand is below grade and forms a shallow but wide puddle after rain.

What's the best course?

1) move the sand to the side and put down crushed gravel, then replace the sand before laying the patio, or

2) lay down gravel over the sand, then add more sand before laying the patio?

3) neither (open to constructive suggestions)

I'd like to get some work started on it before the ground freezes ... or I'll just have a small ice-rink over the winter.