I installed a Hayward HP50TA heat pump a couple of years ago, it works great and we're very happy with it. Heaters are one thing that do not need to be same brand to be controlled by pool automation. I wouldn't be too concerned about online reviews for pool equipment. Lots of folks aren't really well informed on how pool heat pumps operate and how to best use them to maintain temps in their pools. They are not the same as a 400k BTU gas heater. Now, if the reviews specify repeated call backs for repairs on newer units that might bear more consideration.
Most, if not all, major brand pool heat pumps use HVAC products from major HVAC manufacturers like Rheem. I haven't noticed any real preference for particular heat pump brands on TFP. Pretty much everyone here seems to like their brand of heat pump as far as I have noticed.