Strikes from Rhys Oates and Luke Armstrong either side of an own goal by Josef Yarney put the high-flying hosts in a commanding position.
Fraser Kerr pulled one back on the hour when he headed in from substitute Liam Mandeville’s corner.
The visitors, who stay seventh, continued to rally but they had given themselves too much to do against the third-placed Pools.
Here are Liam Norcliffe’s player ratings...
1. Grant Smith 6
Conceded three but not much he could do to stop them. Made a good reaction stop from Holohan's header but Oates smacked in the rebound for the opener. His kicking was not as good as it normally is but ulitmately the bigger errors came from those in front of him. Photo: Dean Atkins
2. George Carline 5
Not up to his usual high standards. Hartlepool stopped him getting forward and he looked lke he was a bit tired which is understandable given the hectic schedule. Photo: Rachel Atkins
3. Josef Yarney 4
Has done well when called upon in recent weeks but this was not his day. Positionally and in possession he was poor. Turned the ball into his own net for the Pools' second, but in fairness Armstrong would have tapped it in if not. A torrid afternoon. Photo: jason chadwick
4. Fraser Kerr 5
A really shaky first-half playing in the middle of a back three. Hartlepool pressed him well and he did not look comfortable on the ball. Improved after the break, winning his headers and tackles, and scored his first goal for Town against his old club, heading in Mandeville's corner on the hour. Photo: Craig Brough/AHPIX LTD