Barbara pretty spot on. Sand on base is best for temporary situation and you can leave it when the pool gets put away for winter. Another way to level is setup up a string line in a square ie. 4 stakes to hold it up and level the string line. Use the string line as a visual guide and you can also measure down from it as you go. As you dig the higher ground, you effectively move it the lower end. Saves having to get rid of dirt and you can restore it to its former natural slope when you returf. Compact the fresh pile at the lower end and use the rubble to help hold it together. Your other problem of turf not growing in that area has little to do with the rubble in my opinion. Does it get plenty of winter sun? Do you feed it/water it regularly? I grew over 20 sq. metres of turf on a cement slab in my yard with only 100mm (10cm) of dirt which also had concrete rubble mixed in. It had no direct sun in winter but still stayed green throughout, beautifully in summer. Good luck.

Looks like butternut to me. :) http://www.backyard-vegetable-gardening.com/harvesting-butternut-squash.html

In terms of payment schedule, it adds up to 100% so as long as all the build is completed at completion you are still paying the same amount. I would say it is good practice by the builder to make sure they have something in place to safe guard their business if you the owner, of the build, runs out of money. Remember you are doing the same with the HIA contract. The builder does not get the funds until they have completed the specified stage. We had to show that we had enough funds, either loan or cash to complete build, prior to HIA contract being signed. Our contract for a double storey home concrete slab and double brick ground and first floor, was: 6.5% contract signing 10.% Slab down - ground floor 15 % plate high - ground floor 10% slab - second floor 15% Plate high - second floor 13.5% Roof cover 15% Lock up 15% Practical completion. All the internal fixtures were installed after the lock up stage. ie: all cabinets, toilets, basins, baths, grano for garage and garage door, and tiling.

I assume you are talking about a brick veneer home? Are you located in an area where strong winds and rain is common at this time of year? Can your finances allow for the delay if home is put on hold? Speak to the builder. Who is responsible for repairs to outside and inside of home if rain gets in? I think your builder is being very proactive in offering this alternative. Your home is going to sit exposed to the elements whether you reverse build or hold the build, so I would ask the builder to continue on. But check what liability they will offer first, for any damages.