Two things:

Is there water table to be concerned about? Eliminating the drain from the deep end would also mean no hydrostatic valve. It prevents the groundwater pressure beneath the pool from floating the liner by allowing it a way into the pool. If you are well above groundwater than you may not have one in your drain now to loose.

Also, avoid padding the slope. I was told by my builder that it can allow the liner to slip. I have “Happy Bottom” in my shallow end and like it a lot. It feels great underfoot for sports, etc.