Everything you need to know about Sentrel balustrade and pool fencing systems — from specifications and compliance to installation, care and warranty.
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 different grades and can vary greatly in price. It requires regular cleaning, blocks breezes & can be a hazard for birdlife. The Sentrel Australia Vertical Cable Pool Fence system is specifically designed and tested for pool fencing and has full NATA certification.
The beauty of the Sentrel aluminium Cable system is that it is custom made so we build to your exact dimensions. No trimming on-site. With the DIY irail system it is available in increments of 100mm which are then trimmed onsite contact our team with your requirements.
Our aluminium system is available in 53 signature long life Dulux Duratec powder coat colours. For details, see our full colour chart.
The aluminium system uses marine grade 316 stainless steel poles. Powdercoated poles are available upon request .
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 minimising steps and level changes where possible.
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.
Sentrel Australia is a manufacturer first and foremost — every system is custom made in our NSW factory and shipped Australia-wide, including regional and remote areas. Because our panels arrive pre-assembled and ready to fix, installation is straightforward: carpenters, fencers, landscapers and competent handymen can all fit the Sentrel system with ease. Many of our customers simply engage their preferred local tradesperson. We’ve also built strong relationships with builders across Sydney, Newcastle, the Central Coast, the Mid-North Coast, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Perth and surrounds who know our system well and may be able to assist with installation — ask our sales team and we’ll point you in the right direction. In other areas, we can often recommend installers familiar with Sentrel. Tighter version (if space matters): We’re a manufacturer at heart — every Sentrel system is made in our NSW factory and shipped Australia-wide as pre-assembled panels, ready to install. That simplicity means carpenters, fencers, landscapers and competent handymen can all fit our system with confidence. Need a hand finding someone? We have good relationships with builders in Sydney, Newcastle, the Central Coast, Mid-North Coast, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Perth and surrounds who may be able to assist, and in other areas we can often recommend installers who know the Sentrel system. Just ask our sales team. Update.
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.
We offer a 15 year structural warranty on our aluminium system. Full warranty details are provided with every order.
Still have questions?
Our team is here to help with specifications, quotes and project advice.