A lift system for a spa cover includes a fist lift assembly associated with a first side of a spa, and a second lift assembly associated with an opposed, second side of the spa. The first lift assembly includes a motor for applying an uncovering force to a spa cover. The second lift assembly includes a compression spring exerting a generally downward force on the cover when the cover is in the closed position, and a generally upwards force on the cover when the cover is moved towards an open position to assist in an uncovering operation. The second lift assembly also includes a tension spring configured to exert an upward force on the cover when the cover is in the open position to assist the first lift assembly in a covering operation.