Sam Vokes' first-half double kept up Bournemouth's slim chances of League One survival and left Hartlepool languishing just five points above the drop zone.
Bournemouth are now ten points from safety, but looked like a team still willing to put up a fight against a Pools side without an away win since November.
The home side raced into a sixth minute lead thanks to Wales Under-21s international Vokes, who rose highest to head in Warren Cummings' corner.
Bournemouth almost doubled their advantage on 25 minutes when Jo Kuffour dispossessed Graeme Lee only to see his curling effort turned round the post by Arran Lee-Barrett.
But despite their dominance, keeper Gareth Stewart prevented Hartlepool from levelling. Graeme Lee's free-kick deflected into the path of David Foley six yards out, but Stewart dived bravely to deny him with his body.Tom Craddock then wasted a golden chance for the visitors, firing high and wide when played in by Foley.
But after an impressive opening Stewart's afternoon was cut short when fell he fell awkwardly when collecting a cross. Stewart was stretchered off and rushed to hospital with a suspected broken ankle.
But it did not affect his team-mates too much as on the stroke of half-time the impressive Vokes made it 2-0.
He found time and space on the edge of the area to curl a right-footed shot past Arran Lee-Barrett.
And moments after the restart Vokes almost grabbed his hat trick only to see his shot from distance tipped over by Lee-Barrett.
Hartlepool had a half hearted penalty appeal turned down when Richie Barker tangled with Josh Gowling in the box, but instead of gaining a spot-kick Hartlepool's top scorer was booked for diving.
Bournemouth's reserve keeper Ryan Pryce had little to do, although he got down well to deny Barker late on.