I will answer you last question first - no you can't use the pump's timer to control other devices. But a single timer is pretty cheap and easy to add. The nice thing about the Hayward AquRite is that it gives you control in 1% increments without any additional automation panel required. Well that and it's affordable (less than $900 online), very reliable, and cheap to operate. My first cell lasted 7+ years and cost under $400 to replace, making my chlorine cost less tha $57 per year.
I use an Intelliflow programmed for several different speeds/flows during the day. I have a seperate timer that turns my AquaRite SWG on for a specific portion of that. It all works quite well. Of course, since the Intelliflo was a replacement for an older single speed pump, I already had a timer that was now unused by the pump and could be hooked up to just control the SWG.
I can't speak to the IC40 or easy touch, I have no experiance there. If you are looking to add automation though there are others who should be able to advise. Personally I've tried to avoid automation systems and just keep things simple.