Proper Way to Update Linked Clone Images

Hi guys, what is the best way to update a Linked Clone image without having a ton of snapshots on the master template?

To update, I know I need to do the following (not including cleanup tasks and such):

1. Power on template, apply changes (patches, app updates, etc)
2. Power down - Take new snapshot
3. Point desktop pool to the new snapshot
4. Recompose current desktops using the new snapshot.

Can I eventually clean up snapshots or will there just be an infinite number of snapshots from day 1 until that image gets retired? I made the mistake of deleting the snapshot the test desktops were using before recomposing to the new snapshot already

Thanks in advance.