The result consigned Chesterfield to their first defeat in 16 matches, but there was no question which side deserved the points.
Chesterfield's team selection seemed to lack ambition, with dangerman Wayne Allison on the bench, only one player up front and five across midfield.
But Hartlepool worked their socks off from start to finish just days after the sacking of Martin Scott, and gave caretaker boss Paul Stephenson a reward for fielding an attacking team.
Pools hit the post twice in the first quarter, the first effort coming after just eight minutes when Chris Llewellyn lashed in a 25-yard shot that keeper Barry Roche hardly saw before it went behind off his left-hand upright.
Then, on 21 minutes, the keeper was beaten again when defender Michael Nelson's volley from the edge of the area went behind off the outside of the other post.
Chesterfield striker Caleb Folan missed a sitter after creating a great chance early in the second half and Hartlepool made the visitors pay on 65 minutes
Substitute Matty Robson had only been on for six minutes when he turned his man wide on the left and made ground, before striking a beautiful low shot across the area and into the far corner from 25 yards.
The Spireites tried to come back, but their finishing let them down when they broke through and home keeper Dimi Konstantopoulos didn't have a serious save to make, while two long-range shots cleared the stand as well as the bar.
Hartlepool got a standing ovation at the end as the fans celebrated a rare home win, and now they can spend the weekend preparing for an announcement about the identity of the new manager on Monday.
Former boss Chris Turner, sacked recently by Stockport, is favourite.