A mechanized lifter system for retrofitting a manually operated lifer system includes a support located relative to the spa tub, a first mount rotatable on the support and defining a first pivot axis, at least one support element rotatable about the first pivot axis and attached to the first spa cover portion, a second mount on the support and defining a second pivot axis, an angle arm having a first portion and a second portion connected at a vertex, the first portion attached to the first mount and the second portion attached to the second mount, a support element bracket fixedly attached to the support element, a linear actuator configured to extend and retract and pivotally attached to the vertex of the angle arm and the support element bracket, and an actuator controller coupled to and configured to control extension and retraction of the linear actuator.