VMware recommends only a maximum of 32 snapshots in a VM chain. However, for a better performance, limit this number to only 2 to 3 snapshots and keep them for as short a time as possible, because snapshots are thin disks that can grow potentially to the same size of the base disk. VMware vSAN does not have those limitations, due to a different format for snapshots.

When using a third-party backup software, ensure that snapshots are deleted after a successful backup. Some backup programs work better than others or have specific controls for snapshot management. Avoid increasing a virtual machine disk size or virtual RDM if the VM has a snapshot, it is possible that this may corrupt snapshots and result in data loss.

For more information, see also KB 1025279—Best practices for using snapshots in the vSphere environment (http://kb.vmware.com/kb/1025279).