I own a home on Long Island, NY, which has an original block construction cesspool. These are known to collapse, and I'd like to replace it in the near future. I was given two options for replacement:

1. A septic tank system
2. A replacement cesspool - this is made of 3 stacked concrete rings, with a dome top. Works the same way as the current cesspool, but is not supposed to have the same danger of collapse.

The septic tank system is about $2000 more than the cesspool system. 

Has anyone had to go through this and can tell me the pros and cons of each? I'm not sure if spending the extra money is worth it. The terms "cesspool" and "septic" seem to be used interchangeably or maybe incorrectly, I'm having a hard time finding info.

The septic system is supposed to be pumped every 3 years, the cesspool system has no pumping schedule, I assume you just let it go until it backs up...?

Thanks