50 Gal. Terra Cotta Water Urn Flat-Back Rain Barrel with Integrated Planter and Diverter Kit

It comes with a short hose and an on-off valve which you could put on the barrel or the end of the hose.

Yes. You could replace with a spigot with no problem. It is also very steady no matter how much water is in the barrel. It is not top heavy.

Plastic, mine got broken off after a few years, so I found a brass spigot kit online and replaced it. 100% better, also the flat back cracked and pushed the barrel away from the wall causing the fill hose to break. Called Cust Support and they sent a new hose, told me if the crack leaked let them know? Great EMSCO C/S so far.

It works, but not well. I would estimate that about 25% of the water coming down the spout gets diverted into the barrel - the rest continues down the downspout. The tube that comes off of the diverter is so small that only a small amount of water can flow into the barrel at a time.

No, the top is not removeable.

Drill a hole with a spade bit in the desired location where rain chain will descend. Use a reciprocating saw to make larger hole if needed

I have not experienced the problem you describe. My neighbor has not either. Could your water barrel be defective? i. e. the materials. A slight freeze will not freeze an entire barrel of water and then distort the shape. The barrel is subtle and adds to my landscaping. I would call the manager of your store, or write a letter to their corporate office. Get an exchange. The barrel was a healthy financial investment. I hope this helps. Home Depot has been very cooperative with my concerns over the years.

The planter is 4'' deep.

they recommend draining it.

We drilled mine so it runs into the top where they show the plants. Then drilled drainage holes in that part, put a screen in and river rocks. The rocks cover the tube.