A lift system for a spa cover includes a first lift assembly configured for coupling to a first side of a spa, the first lift assembly including a motor and a first lever arm, the first lever arm having a first end configured for driving connection to the motor, and a second end configured for operative connection to a spa cover, and a clutch assembly configured to transmit torque from the motor to the first lever arm, the clutch assembly including a drive plate rotatably driven by the motor, a clutch plate arranged parallel to the drive plate, and a plurality of projections extending from one of the drive plate and the clutch plate and being configured to engage a corresponding plurality of recesses in the other of the drive plate and the clutch plate.