I worked for 25 years making stuff in China. Made for another 15 here in USA first. Our stuff was pretty darn good out of China. Just can't go and say, "make this" and make it at this price. You will often get junk. You have to really work with them, have a person there in the factory if not all the time, at least often when they are making your product. that person has to understand the product and what is acceptable and what isn't. If Hayward or someone else is trying to be proactive and has QA folks there often, they might well get an excellent product and value. If they push for cheaper constantly, changing factories to get something cheaper, they will get it cheaper, and the it will be worth just that, (worthless). Go with the higher end contractors and be fair in your dealings and you will likely do well. They certainly aren't dumb. They can and do make some very good stuff. Often the reason something fails is because some subcontractor supplies a part that is not up to spec, and the prime doesn't figure that out. If the price is a bit more reasonable, they might not go to a sub at all.
I'm looking at some pumps offered for sale here by some pool companies, (no names,) that are variable speed, brushless, (DC) and they are asking ~$900 for the pump and controller. I've found that same pump offered by the Chinese manufacturer, (same everything, including the 3 year warrantee) for $400 for 1 piece. ($150 if you buy lots). It is tempting. I could buy a couple and still be cheaper than the one offered here.
The advantage of buying one from a larger outfit here is hopefully being able to contact the supplier if and when problems occur. If it works for 5 years you might have gotten a pretty good deal. In 5 years there might be something much better around.
