Hartlepool won much more comfortably than the scoreline suggests, and better finishing may well have left pre-season title favourites Hull City even more embarrassed.
Hull are still looking for their first win under Jan Molby, and with every disappointing result the fans are becoming more and more anxious.
The Tigers were never in the game as an attacking force, producing only two off-target shots all game, and the defence looked rattled every time the home side pushed forward - which was often.
Hartlepool were streets ahead long before they opened the scoring in the 31st minute, Eifion Williams grabbing his first of the season from close-range after City keeper Matt Glennon blocked his first attempt.
Veteran striker Gordon Watson had been the supplier for that goal with a left-wing cross, and it was his turn to score the second after 63 minutes.
This time it was Paul Smith who crossed from the left and after Glennon blocked a header from Darrell Clarke, Watson bundled the loose ball into the net.
Either side of his goal, Williams had two efforts disallowed for fouls, and late on Watson hit the top of the Hull bar with a cheeky chip from outside the area.
Hartlepool have not hit the form that took them into the play-offs with a great late run last season, but they are not doing badly either, and this win put their home defeat by Macclesfield in their previous home game well and truly behind them.
Hull boss Jan Molby admitted after the match: "It was a very poor performance, and we never played well. Hartlepool got on top of us and we never looked like coming back."
Hartlepool manager Chris Turner added: "That was a good solid performance, and I'm glad we've played Hull now - I'm sure they'll get better as the season goes on."