In awful conditions, Boyd led his team to a brilliant victory that saw them leapfrog Wednesday.
Playing into heavy rain blown into their faces by a gale-force northerly wind, Hartlepool took Wednesday by surprise with a fast and furious start.
The home side took the lead on two minutes when Wednesday keeper Paul Gallacher pushed Gavin Strachan's 25-yard free-kick high into the air, and as the ball dropped inches from the line, Boyd was there first to force it into the net.
Wednesday tried to come back and hit the home post during a goalmouth scramble.
Home keeper Dimi Konstantopoulos twice saved well from Lee Peacock, the second setting up the home team's second goal.
Matty Robson completed the clearance with a long low ball from deep in his own half. It was missed by two defenders and Boyd raced clear to slot in his 25th of the season from 15 yards.
Wednesday were always trying to battle their way back into the game but Pool had the bit between their teeth and on 58 minutes Boyd struck his third with a brilliant solo goal.
He cut inside from the right, leaving two defenders trailing in his wake, before chipping a brilliant shot over Gallacher into the roof of the net.
But there was no question of either team easing up despite the fact that Boyd's wonder strike had clearly won the game for the home team.
The two sides took it in turns to attack as the rain continued to pour down and the pitch got heavier and heavier.
Long before the end though, it was clear that Wednesday's only hope was that the match would be abandoned.