Post & Rail vs. Split-Rail Fencing
Split-rail fencing (locust) has 11'-long hardwood rails and locust posts, with either two or three rails per section. The rails have "scarfed" ends, so they overlap when slipped into the post holes. Attaching pool-code wire to split-rail fencing makes it pool-code compliant. Split-rail fencing (both posts and rails) is also available in pressure-treated hardwood.
Cedar post & rail fencing has 10'-long full-round cedar rails (8'-long also available) and cedar posts, with either two or three rails per section. The rails may have "scarfed" ends, which overlap when slipped into the post holes, or doweled ends that are inserted into holes in the posts. Wire can be attached to post & rail fencing to make it pool-code compliant.
Diamond post & rail fencing (cedar) is an alternative choice, with 8'-long cedar rails (4" x 4" square) and cedar posts, with either two or three rails per section. The rails have doweled ends that are inserted into the posts. The rails may be fixed as either diamond-shaped or square-shaped. Diamond post & rail fencing is also available in vinyl, with 3"x3" square rails.