FAQ’s

According to the National Construction Code (NCC) Part 11.3 (formerly Part 3.9.2), a balustrade is a fall prevention barrier which must be provided alongside any stairway or ramp, any floor, corridor, hallway, balcony, verandah, mezzanine or path of access to a building if it is not bounded by a wall or any level more than 1 metre above adjoining floor or finished ground level.

There are many different types of balustrades available in Australia. We have prepared an unbiased comparison showing the pros and cons of the various types available commercially. Please ask our team for a copy of this comparison guide.

What is ‘best’ is highly subjective, although we would say that ‘best’ refers to a balance between safety, cost and looks. Until Sentrel Australia introduced the Vertical Cable Pool Fence product to the market, the options for pool fencing were very limited — powder coat aluminium or glass.

Lightweight aluminium products that often just pass stringent NATA certification (sometimes they don’t) are inexpensive but they look cheap. Glass fencing has come and gone and come back again — it is very expensive, requires regular cleaning, and it breaks. The Sentrel Australia Vertical Cable Pool Fence system is specifically designed and tested for pool fencing and has full NATA certification.

Our standard panel sizes are between 1600mm and 1800mm wide by 1200mm high for pool fencing and 1000mm high for balustrades. This provides a very cost-effective solution with less poles per lineal metre. We can also provide larger or smaller sizes. Please contact our team with your requirements.

Our aluminium system is available in 20 signature powder coat colours. For details, see our full colour chart. Custom colour matching is also available — please enquire with our sales team.

The aluminium system uses powder coated aluminium poles. Our timber system uses stainless steel poles. Both offer excellent durability and are designed to complement the cable infill panels.

Yes. The vertical orientation of the cables allows cable balustrade systems to be used on decks and verandahs 4 metres and above.

Yes. Sentrel Australia products are fully NATA tested and certified in accordance with the Australian Standard AS1926.1. Our system has been specifically designed and tested for use as both pool fencing and balustrade in all Australian states and territories.

Two key considerations can significantly reduce your costs:

1. Plan your fence line for standard panel sizes. Our standard panels are between 1600mm and 1800mm wide. Design your fence run to use these standard sizes where possible, avoiding expensive custom panels.

2. Keep the fence more than 1250mm from the water. If your fence is closer than 1250mm, it will need to be ‘earth bonded’. This requires different panel construction and an electrician to earth the finished panels — all unnecessary costs unless it cannot be avoided.

For the best looking and most cost-effective installation, take the time to plan your pool area well before ordering your fence.

We work with builders in many areas across Australia including Sydney, Newcastle, Central Coast, Mid-North Coast of NSW, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Perth and surrounds. These builders can provide a full service for you. Please enquire with our sales team. In other areas we can advise of installers who are familiar with the Sentrel Australia system.

We have designed the system so that any competent handyperson, builder or fencer can install Sentrel Australia products. Detailed installation guides are included with every order. If your installer hasn’t worked with the system before, our team is available to provide guidance throughout the process.

Absolutely. Send us your measurements or plans and we will prepare a detailed quotation and layout drawing for you. Our team works with homeowners, builders and architects every day and we’re happy to help you work through the specifics of your project. Call us on 1300 658 330 or email our team.

Sentrel Australia products are extremely low maintenance. Simply wash down with mild soapy water periodically — the frequency will depend on your environment. Coastal areas or locations near busy roads may require more frequent cleaning. Avoid abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals. With basic care, your Sentrel system will look good over time. Please see our Product Information brochure for more detail.

The Sentrel Australia aluminium system incorporates a unique, proprietary self-tensioning mechanism that ensures cables are kept at the correct tension throughout the life of the product.

The cables in the timber system require checking periodically and re-tensioning over time is necessary.

We offer a 15 year warranty on our aluminium system and a 7 year warranty on the timber system. Full warranty details are provided with every order.