I don't know for sure, but do know that it depends on the horse power of the pump. The greater the pump's horsepower, the greater the amps/power needed to start it running. It isn't so much the running, it's the surge as it starts that is critical. I know I would have to get a BIG generator for my 5-HP pump, which is one of the reasons I have yet to spend the money. One of these days.... If you have the more average 1- or 3-horsepower pump, then you can get by with less power needed to start it up.

Like dibbit says, it depends on the horsepower of the pump. I would be skeptical that a inverter on a car battery would be able to power it.

That's true I hadn't considered the surge, thanks.