General Tile Discussion

Good day all. I am looking for some direction here. I realize I may get a couple of different suggestions/opinions, and that’s okay by me. I am in the early stages of converting our soaker tub area into a full tiled walk-in shower. The area is 60 inches wide by 52 inches deep (see the picture), we are keeping the window. We would like the shower to be 60 x 42. As you can see in the photo the plumbing is a bit confusing/aggravating to me. The tub was placed on that ledge and had double stacked 2by material under that base which raised it enough for the installer to “run his drain”. I digress… of course I will need to remove some concrete to relocate the drain, preferably to the center. I am not a beginner DIYer by any means and am excited to get started on this re-creation. Finally, the question… which base/pan type would (when properly installed) last a good 30 years. I am really considering going the mud pan route with hydroban over pan and walls. My dad owned a swimming pool company and I learned how to trowel at an early age, so I am not too concerned with a little mud. I’m just not sure which would give me more trouble down the line, the liner version or the hydroban. Point me in the right direction.