It was just a cruise for Tranmere in the LDV Vans Trophy first round game.
Hartlepool fielded a reserve team and were never in with a chance. They only once tested home keeper John Achterberg.
Tranmere went ahead in the 31st minute when Danny Harrison netted with a left-foot shot when set up by Gary Jones.
Jones headed a second from a Ryan Taylor corner in the 44th minute.
Gareth Roberts raced clear to net with an angled left-foot shot in the 68th minute and Jones made it 4-0 with a good finish after beating two defenders on 75 minutes.
Taylor completed the nap hand in the 79th minute, when put clear by Sean Connelly