Question
We removed an above old above ground pool (that took up half of the yard.  There is an area of sand that is approximately eight feet in diameter.  There is small rocks/sand mixed at the back of the lot(looks a lot like the Jersey Shore).  There is weeds/grass/brush we have pulled up by hand on all of it. Some of the brush we used the weed-eater on. What are the steps we need to take to convert this small back yard back to grass?
Is it too late in the season to accomplish this before cold weather hits?

Answer
Perfect timing for Lawn installation, my friend.  We are approaching prime Grassgrowing season in the Northeast.

Sounds like you have quite a project ahead of you.  But nothing you can't handle.

First, you want to till everything.  Pull out the Weeds and debris, rocks and rolls and stones and seaweed.  The Sand is actually a nice touch, provided there is no Salt mixed in (i.e., Beachsand).  Incorporate lots of Organic Matter to give it that nice, rich, healthy Soil glow.  Then get a Soil Test.

A Soil Test is absolutely essential for what you want to do.

Because you do not really know what is in that Soil at this time.  You cannot look at it and come up with an instant measure of, say, your Cation Exchange Capacity.  Your pH.  Your Phosphorous levels.  Etc.

Do you hear what I'm saying?

Soil Tests are the ONLY way you can get the information you need for this project to be done RIGHT.  To grow Great Grass you need 2 things:  GREAT SOIL is the first.  GREAT SEED/SOD is the second.

Send me your zipcode and I will give you the contact details for getting yourself a Soil Test.

While you're waiting for your Soil test, you can till and pull out all that miscellaneous flotsam floating around back there.

Tell me how much Sun you are getting in the area(s) you want to grow Grass.

Pull out any Weeds you can get your hands on, and pay special attention to the ones that have flowers and seeds.  The last thing you need right now is for the annual Weeds to flower and spread themselves all over the place, just when you are planning to plant new Grass.

I also need to know what you like to do with this Lawn that used to be the Pool.  Badminton?  BBQ's?  Touch Football?  Frisbee with the family Dog?  The Vu from the Rm?  Talk to me.  Tell me all about it.  And don't forget the zipcode.  rsvp and thanks for writing.