Also It is all white right now, but I have thought about doing some faux painting on it to make it look like granite or marble. has anyone done this? How did it hold up? I dont want to do it, if in a few years its going to chip and peel.
Tammy

If it's a plastic, and you use that paint for plastic, I think the ultraviolet in sunlight will make the color fade, or make it eventually peel. Or both.

Generally speaking, leaving a container outside where it is likely to fill with water is usually begging for trouble. Water expands when it freezes, and it is very, VERY strong.

I would be inclined to continue as you've been doing and put it away or turn it upside down for winter.

A long time ago I read this: "You can argue with the laws of physics all you want, but you're gonna lose".

Sue